Local News Comments

Is there any government agency that, doesn't, want to expand and get more tax payer money?

I think someone needs to check their facts. TCFD has more than just 2 paid employees who are managed by Cal Fire.

Noted, that information was quoted from Delgado who said two full time paid the rst volunteer? I assume the county has the number, and the full number of fire districts etc, it would be interesting to know.

WHAT A FREAKING JOKE!!!!!!!

Are they kidding? There is no way the county should turn over the area around Columbia to these guys. Not only should they be kept in their one square mile, but they should be disbanded and everything turned over to the county to run. With all of the problems this department has had in the past, now add a Board that has no idea what they are doing, a chief that does not respond to any calls what so ever to supervise his firefighters. Then there is a Captain ... In fact, Cal Fire had to take control of the incident when the old Columbia House Restaurant burned down just a month ago. The people in and around Columbia needs better fire protection than what these guys can even dream of providing.

They probably would have money enough to do their job if someone was overlooking the pocket book or have we all forgotten the thousands of dollars their Chief stole.

Note: He plead not guilty, the update on that court case is here: http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/1891670/Court-Date-For-Fire-Chief.html

Would this annexation bring the Fire District any closer to obtaining at least 1 career paid firefighter? I remember when we tried this in the 90's at Columbia, you've already made it farther than we did. Good Luck

My other question is how far out Yankee Hill Rd would the annexation extend?

I'm pretty sure Columbia College is attached to CAL-FIRE/Tuolumne County Fire Department, and last I checked that station was staffed with 5 persons. I'm a very concerned tax payer and I live with in the sphere of influence of both Columbia College and The Columbia District. It saddens me to see such a duplication of resources when will enough be enough. Why would an entity like LAFCO support such a blatantly unnecessary move like this unless lied to? My suggestion to an organization like Columbia Fire District is this, if you can't afford to respond out of the area your paid to protect by all means don't go, stay in your district. Another question, how do the people in the area you intend to take over feel about an extra tax assesment they never voted for.

Waste of time and money when CAL FIRE and Tuolumne County fire already protect this area. If Columbia VOLUNTEER Fire District annexes expect a run at a assessment tax. Why do this when Columbia residents get CAL FIRE and County fire equipment already. If this passes say goodbye to those state and County fire trucks. Next time you see a fire and have time, count how much CAL FIRE and County equipment is on scene. Then put out a finger because that is all you will need to count the fire district equipment and then put out one more finger that is all you will need to count the firefighters from that district.

The question is how will paying $80 a year to the Columbia Fire District improve the level of service to those taxpayers being being annexed? Why is the volunteer captain the spokesman for this and not the chief or better yet the board. Mountain Goat is right: Don't go! To suggest that it costs the district money to respond into the county, consider they recieve reciprical services on every call from Cal Fire and the County fire department on every call. All this proposal would do is raise taxes on those annexed and the same amount of firefighters will be on the scene.

Something else to consider...the real solution is to consolidate fire services in the county not expand fire district boundaries. Columbia Fire District has only three board member, not five. Why is that? Many problems recently with dirty fire chief stealing money, no supervision, the list goes on. The college program needs to be enhanced to make it even better than it is. The answer is right there. Why am I paying a Cal Fire tax again? Now Columbia Fire wants more-no thanks. Better wake up people and write LAFCO.

Sabrina, who are the LAFCO members and there contact information? Please POST!

All the info about contacting Tuolumne LAFCO is here http://www.sonoraca.com/communitylinks/lafco.htm