Funding for a fire crew in Goleta could be cut

The City of Goleta is preparing to argue against a proposed cut in Santa Barbara County Fire funding for Station 11 on Storke Road.

The city says it only recently learned of the budget plan that included the cuts and loss of positions.

The recommendation is to cut the staff for engine 11 but keep the crew for the ladder truck located at the same building.

Station 11 is very close to Isla Vista and UC Santa Barbara, an area often referred to as one of the most populated two miles in the western states.

The calls for service for this station also include near shore emergencies, and the county’s water rescue team is launched from station 11.

Goleta city leaders say without this engine crew, there could be a longer response to emergencies from the remaining four stations in the Goleta Valley.

At the same time, the City of Goleta has been working on a plan to have a new fire station in the coming years on the western end of the valley.

The city council will discuss the issue Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

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