This fire and lifeguard-funding plan was originally approved in 2001 at an estimated cost of $43.2 million, but the amount has since increased due to rising construction and bid costs. The council did have the option of cutting the number of fire stations to be funded from a dozen to eight in order to keep the cost at the 2001 level, but have decided to stick to the original figure of 12. Of the $58 million in recently approved funds, $47 million have been allocated for new, renovated or expanded fire stations, while $10.9 million have been earmarked for new or renovated lifeguard stations.

"Even in these difficult economic times, we need to maintain our public safety facilities," says Third District City Councilmember Toni Atkins. "This council continues to take a pro-active role in addressing deferred maintenance issues across the city, whether it's been in infrastructure, our park system or public safety," she adds.