SAN BERNARDINO – (INT) – The city’s 138-year-old fire department is no more. July 1st marked its consolidation with the county fire protection district.

Officials say the county take-over will save the city money and improve services. It’s estimated an additional $8 million will help the bankrupt city. Some will be generated by a new tax of $148 per parcel this fiscal year. It could increase by 3 percent each following year.

The logistics of the merger involving technical support and reconfiguring fire rigs have been underway for months.

The actual change in personnel begins Sunday as about two-thirds of the city fire department staff takes on jobs with the county.

Story Date: July 7, 2016