ORANGE : City Studies Contract for Fire Protection

As they try to balance the city’s 1993-94 budget, officials have asked the county Fire Department to study how much it would cost to contract for fire services by the county.

“If you have a problem with finances, you look at situations where you might be able to improve the situation,” said Mayor Gene Beyer. “We don’t know if it will save money. That’s why we are exploring it.”

Orange has budgeted $13.8 million for fire services for fiscal year 1993-94.

City Fire Chief Ed Rowlett said that until the county study is completed, it isn’t possible to judge how a change in fire providers would affect the safety of residents and businesses.

Rowlett added that he is not in favor of a change in fire service providers because it would probably mean the elimination of his job.

City firefighters have been working without a contract, which expired in June.

Richard Alarcon and Chuck Tuggle, president and vice president of the Orange City Firefighters Assn., were out of town Monday and could not be reached for comment about the proposal.

The county Board of Supervisors voted in May to establish a fire protection district to serve the 16 cities currently being served by the county Fire Department, effective in January. It will be funded by existing property taxes and fees.