Southeast : Budget Woes Threaten City Fire Department

Lean financial times in Montebello could mean the end of the city’s 73-year-old Fire Department.

City officials are taking a fresh look at the department’s financial viability as they search for ways to trim the city’s budget, which according to recent estimates could be dipping as much as $3 million into the red.

One option is contracting for fire protection services with Los Angeles County, as do a number of Southland cities.

Officials are also looking at whether to join Downey and Commerce in forming a regional department. Commerce, which has long contracted its services from the county, may soon hire Downey firefighters.

Either way, Montebello City Council members are stepping carefully: On Tuesday, they approved a month delay in discussing whether to commission a $6,500 study from the county that would spell out options.

“Obviously it can be a very emotional issue,” City Administrator Richard Torres said. “Montebello has taken a lot of pride in its Fire Department over the years.”