The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, “Metro Fire,” serves a population of over 727,000 in a 417 square mile service area. It is the 7th largest fire agency in the State of California and, understandably, has a diverse set of fiscal challenges to manage.

The District’s fee structures, as supported by an overall cost allocation plan, were in need of review to ensure that fees were providing the necessary revenue to ensure continued top-notch community response. In addition, Metro Fire was on the cutting edge of the Ground Emergency Medical Transport, or GEMT, reimbursement methodology.

When we partnered with Metro Fire, we worked closely with the Fire Chief and other sworn staff as well as many finance and administrative staff members. We conducted a wide array of consulting services for the District, including preparation of both Full and Federal compliant cost allocation plans, calculation of CalOES rates, GEMT cost reimbursement services, Community Risk Reduction Department (Fire Prevention) User Fee Study, and Capital Facilities Fee (Development Impact Fee) Study.

Because of the hard work of everyone involved, the District has been able to update its fees and obtain reimbursements for a number of efforts. Due to the high-service levels provided in each engagement, the Fire Chief and staff have invited NBS back for many projects.


For more information, please contact: Nicole Kissam, Financial Consulting Group – Cost Allocation Group Director, nkissam@nbsgov.com.