Fire budget cuts not received with acclaim
In order to find nearly $12 million of saving, Hawkins presented several steps, including imposing a fee for emergency medical services, closing Station 63 in Poppet Flats, and employing more two-person medic squads in place of three-person engines in rural and outlying areas (such as Garner Valley). The immediate response from the supervisors was neither enthusiastic nor complacent toward accepting Hawkins’ proposals. County Executive Jay Orr introduced the presentation and explained its intent. “We see clouds on the horizon and increased communication with the board is needed to have their direction.”
