The Hollister City Council meeting on June 8, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding the city's fire service funding and the potential establishment of a fire district. The meeting included a presentation on amendments to the current fire service agreement, which is set to extend until June 30, 2029.

The proposed amendments include a payment schedule aligned with the fiscal year, starting at $418,000, with an annual escalator of 11% beginning in the fiscal year 2025-2026. The agreement also maintains a minimum staffing level of three personnel for fire engines, despite previous mentions of a two-person response model. The fire chief emphasized the importance of adequate funding for fire services, stating that the current funding is insufficient and that a joint agency approach would be more beneficial for all jurisdictions involved.

The fire chief expressed a commitment to maintaining three-person staffing at all four fire stations, highlighting the need for improved service rather than reducing costs through staffing cuts. He described the current contract as not perfect but the best option available, urging the council to consider the long-term benefits of moving towards a fire district.

Council members engaged in discussions about the implications of the contract, particularly regarding termination clauses and the potential costs associated with transitioning to a fire district. The city manager was asked to clarify the financial responsibilities tied to the agreement, including actual and reimbursed costs.

The council's next steps involve sending the proposed amendments to the relevant jurisdictions for their consideration and approval, with the aim of enhancing fire service funding and operational efficiency in the region.