Los Osos CSD Weighs Fire Service Options

The Los Osos Community Services District (CSD) Board of Directors will meet on Thursday to evaluate a proposal for contracting with the city of Morro Bay for fire protection and emergency medical services. This consideration comes as the district explores alternatives to its long-standing agreement with Cal Fire.

Two Decades with Cal Fire, Rising Costs

For over two decades, Los Osos has relied on Cal Fire for essential fire and emergency services. However, significant increases in costs have led CSD directors to investigate the possibility of a shared services agreement with Morro Bay. Currently, Los Osos maintains three full-time fire and emergency personnel, along with one reserve firefighter.

Staffing Goals and Funding Challenges

The district aims to have four regular employees dedicated to fire and emergency medical services. Achieving this staffing level, however, requires voter approval of a special fire tax increase, according to district officials. Without additional funding, maintaining the desired staffing levels presents a challenge.

Morro Bay and Cal Fire Proposals

In September 2025, the CSD Board identified Morro Bay as a potential alternative to Cal Fire. Since then, both agencies have submitted proposals. Cal Fire presented two three-year contract options with varying staffing models. Morro Bay submitted a letter of interest for a 15-year agreement, detailing the scope of services, personnel costs, and a sample budget.

Cost Comparison

According to a CSD staff report, Morro Bay’s personnel cost estimation is slightly lower than Cal Fire’s. The first year of a shared services agreement with Morro Bay is projected to cost Los Osos $3.82 million. Morro Bay would need to hire 12 new positions to cover Los Osos’s fire services, while Cal Fire could utilize its existing workforce.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

The staff report suggests that partnering with Morro Bay could lead to lower personnel costs and a long-term solution. However, a transition period and associated startup costs would be necessary. Continuing with Cal Fire offers immediate implementation and less disruption, allowing time to complete the Emergency Services Strategic Plan and analyze the proposed fire tax increase.

Cal Fire Options

The CSD is also considering continuing with Cal Fire with the current staffing levels (three regular employees and one reserve) or transitioning to a four-person team. A four-person Cal Fire team would provide consistent service delivery but at a slightly higher cost and with less certainty regarding future cost increases.