City Leaders Looking to Consolidate Fire Department

City leaders on Tuesday could decide whether to consolidate San Bruno's fire department with Central County Fire, which studies show could save the city about $230,000 each year.

is the main item on the City Council agenda. The already shares Chief Dennis Haag and three battalion chiefs with Millbrae's fire department.

In recent months, San Bruno city officials haven’t stated outright their positions on the fire merger. However, some have said their preferences were to keeping things the same.

Now, after three years of talks and two studies, the city is asking the council to approve a consolidation of the department with Central County Fire, a shared agency between Burlingame and Hillsborough, citing $230,000 in yearly savings.

If the proposal gets approved, two council members would sit on a joint fire services board. The entire consolidated fire agency could be run for $25 million a year, according to a staff report.

The council also will also be voting on authorizing the city’s to run an after-school program for after the city won a $112,500 grant from the state. The program will be mostly for low-income students, but it will be open to children from throughout the school district as well. The program would accommodate 100 students starting next school year.

The City Council will , which will be held at an earlier time than its regular meetings.

The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the senior center instead of its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. time, which will allow the council to visit the Millbrae council meeting to present a proclamation to them for their assistance with the Sept. 9 gas explosion and fire, said City Manager Connie Jackson.