Mill Valley fire agencies considering merger, will hold public meeting to discuss process

City and fire officials are considering consolidating the Mill Valley Fire Department into the Southern Marin Fire Protection District.

Alongside the Southern Marin district’s fire chief, Mill Valley’s assistant city manager will file a request on Oct. 3 for the City Council and the Southern Marin Fire District’s board of directors to apply for the annexation of the local fire department.

Over the years, both agencies have shared battalion chiefs, a fire chief, a fire marshal and staff. Proponents of the consolidation argue the agencies are better together, and some operational and programmatic proficiencies are “essentially unattainable” if they remain separate.

“The result is improved service for the community, safer operations for our firefighters, and a strong governance model,” reads a city news release.

Residents are invited to participate in discussions about the consolidation at a special joint meeting with City Council and the Southern Marin Fire District’s board of directors on Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. The meeting will be held at 180 Camino Alto in Mill Valley.