Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District Reorganization – Ongoing Document Updates and Public Access
In May 2025, the Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District (PVFPD) submitted an application to LAFCO requesting the transfer of fire protection and emergency medical services from PVFPD to County Service Area 48 (CSA 48) through a reorganization.
What is a reorganization? A reorganization is simply a change in governance where one agency no longer exists (known as a dissolution) and a neighboring agency assumes the public service responsibilities (known as an annexation). In this case, PVFPD would be dissolved and the dissolved area would be annexed into CSA 48 to ensure that the PV community receives adequate fire protection and emergency medical services.
Why is this reorganization necessary? Operating a small, stand-alone fire district has become increasingly difficult and financially unsustainable. In July 2025, funding limitations forced PVFPD to reduce staffing from three personnel on duty to two, an outcome that affected both emergency response capability and firefighter safety. The proposed reorganization restores three-person staffing and provides long-term stability by integrating Pajaro Valley service into a larger, better-resourced system.
Why not pursue additional local funding? Over several years, PVFPD explored multiple funding solutions, including a ballot measure, bond measure and Proposition 218 assessments. Despite extensive outreach and analysis, these options failed to gain sufficient support from the community. After careful consideration, the PVFPD Board determined the reorganization offered the most responsible, equitable, and sustainable solution.
What does this mean for the community? Property owners would contribute to the existing CSA 48 benefit assessments, which supports a higher and more consistent level of fire and emergency services across PVFPD. In return, the community gains restored staffing, improved operational reliability, and access to greater resources, without losing local service or station presence.
How much will it cost? It depends on your parcel. The following link provides a cost breakdown per parcel: Click Here
Will services improve? Yes. PVFPD will be staffed with a minimum of three personnel at all times, ensuring an efficient response, enhanced community benefit, improved countywide fire resilience, and modern emergency service delivery.
What about the firefighters and the local station? There will be no loss of firefighter positions and no closure of the local fire station. PVFPD’s existing contract with CAL FIRE will continue, allowing for a seamless transition and continuity of service, as
Below are links to key reports and other supporting documents:
- February 2026 LAFCO Staff Report (Attachments are Older Versions): Click Here
- PVFPD Reorganization Tentative Timeline (Latest Version as of May 13, 2026): Click Here
- SCI Consulting Benefit Assessment Study: Click Here
- Proposed Benefit Assessment Parcel Cost Breakdown: Click Here
- Five-Year Financial Analysis (Latest Version as of May 20, 2026): Click Here
- 2026 Countywide Fire Service & Sphere Review: Available on May 28, 2026
Educational Community Workshops
PVFPD will be hosting two events specifically for the Pajaro Valley residents. These workshops are meant to provide information about the reorganization, but more importantly, answer questions directly from the community. Below is more information about the upcoming workshops:
- Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10am Workshop (IN-PERSON) – 562 Casserly Road, Watsonville CA (Casserly Hall)
- Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 6pm (VIRTUAL) – Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88276568904 (Passcode: 765273)
A flyer was sent out to the community in early April: Click Here to View Flyer
Commitment to Transparency During Reorganization
These materials are provided to support public understanding throughout the reorganization process. Because this effort is ongoing, some documents may be refined or updated as work progresses. We encourage you to visit this site regularly to stay informed of the latest developments.