Moraga Orinda Fire District Adopts Deficit-Ridden Budget

The Moraga Orinda Fire District is asking residents for financial advice.

The district board this week approved general funds and capital improvement budgets that will leave the district with a deficit of $1.8 million at the end of the fiscal year, according to a story in the Contra Costa Times.

The district has scheduled a public budget workshop for Oct. 2 to get feedback from the public on how to resolve the fiscal crisis.

On Wednesday night, the board froze a battalion chief position to save $250,000. It also earmarked $240,000 for repairs at two Orinda fire stations, the Times reported.

The district is negotiating new contracts with firefighters, who haven't had a raise since 2008.

Officials have also been studying the district's pension and health care debt, which last year was estimated at $60 million.