MOFD Merger Discussion: The Uproar Update
Updated: Sep 1
Following what appears to have been significant public pushback since news broke of MOFD Director Baitx placing a union-requested exploration of the financial implications and process overview for dissolution/merger of MOFD with Contra Costa County Fire on MOFD‘s May 19 meeting agenda (our original story about the proposed MOFD–ConFire merger exploration), it appears that a retreat of sorts is occurring at the fire house.
Don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. This saga is going to continue for at least another week.
At least two union-backed Directors are stating via emails to residents that they're not in favor of exploring a merger and are suggesting the item may be pulled from the agenda, which would end any exploration or discussion. At least for the time being.
We don't think the agenda item can be removed outside of a public meeting since it was placed on the agenda during one. That likely means the item will remain, and directors will have to formally vote to remove it, perhaps after having a discussion as to why it was thought by its originator as a worthwhile topic to be placed on the agenda to begin with.
Separately - and as we outlined in a follow-up story about the Town Council’s proposed opposition letter - at its 5/12 meeting the Moraga Town Council will consider formally opposing any further exploration of a dissolution/merger of the fire district.
We suggest residents continue to weigh in with their thoughts, emailing them to the MOFD Board and to their respective town/city councils. We think a merger is a bad idea and even discussing the ”what ifs” is a fool’s errand. See our original article and contact information for MOFD and the town/city councils in our original merger article and contact guide.
A robust NextDoor discussion continues in this Nextdoor thread.
We were pleased to see County Supervisor Candace Andersen - whose district includes Moraga and Orinda - expressed opposition and saw no apparent need to consider any merger during her interviews with local stations KTVU and KRON (KTVU’s report and KRON4’s report).
