Supes OK cost share for fire services: Contract renewed for Sutter County administrator, including pay bump
May 15—In order to save on fire service costs for the city of Live Oak, the Sutter County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement between Live Oak Fire Services and Sutter County Fire on Tuesday, effectively increasing the city's share of operational costs from 75% to 85%.
Live Oak has historically contracted fire protection from the county, and both jurisdictions have engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding fire service costs for several years.
Under this new service agreement, Live Oak will reimburse Sutter County for its share of labor and operational costs associated with providing fire services to the area. For a period of five years, Live Oak is obligated to cover its proportionate share of operating expenses, which are capped at 85% plus a 10% administrative fee, county officials said.
According to the agreement, Live Oak will assume ownership of all newly acquired vehicles stationed at the Live Oak Fire Station along with all other essential equipment. Sutter County and Live Oak will collaborate on an equipment acquisition and replacement plan each year. The city will also fully cover the costs for one Battalion Chief, of which Live Oak previously covered one third of associated costs, Sutter County Fire Chief John Shalowitz said.
Sutter County has seen numerous challenges in funding necessary public services, including fire, after the failure of Measure A in 2022, a one cent general sales tax measure that would have generated revenue for public safety and emergency services countywide. Measure A failed to pass with 51% of voters voting against it.
Sutter County has been working with Yuba City to earn a share of a city-led general sales tax measure in hopes of supporting public safety and infrastructure needs. The potential tax measure, which has not been approved yet for the ballot by the Yuba City City Council, is expected to go to voters in November should the council give the OK.
By transferring fiscal responsibility to Live Oak, Sutter County officials estimate saving $163,120 for fiscal year 2024/25. There is no expected impact on the county's general fund. The service agreement is effective as of Jan. 1 this year and will continue through Dec. 31, 2029.
"This is a good change. It's allowing us to free up some funds within the Service Area F budget to hopefully work forward and use it for better things in the future," Shalowitz said.
County administrator contract renewed
Also on Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved to renew a three-year employment contract for Sutter County Administrator Steve Smith.
Smith was appointed to his position in August 2019 and has been working with Sutter County for over 15 years. Smith began as deputy county administrator in 2009 before being appointed interim assistant county administrator in 2016.
The new employment contract lists Smith's annual salary at $245,600 and provides increases for the next two years. According to county officials, this salary is approximately 15% below market for this position.
In his time with Sutter County, Smith has "built a superb department head team with very limited resources," county officials said. He has been praised for his leadership in multiple county departments and exceeding expectations in his work through community projects such as Habitat for Humanity Yuba-Sutter's Harmony Village.
As county administrator, Smith is responsible for overseeing and coordinating work in all county offices and departments as well as evaluating and preparing budget recommendations for Sutter County.
"We had a revolving door here before (Smith) came to this county. It wasn't good for our community. There's not a single department head that doesn't love or respect (Smith) because he works with them and finds solutions to difficult problems," Board Chairman Mat Conant said.
Smith's new contract is effective as of Tuesday and will continue until his employment is terminated.
