Agenda Item Wording:
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Fiscal Year 2025-26 State budget funding request - Confirm the submittal of a State budget funding request of Senator Melissa Hurtado in the current 2025-26 Fiscal Year for the replacement of a fire apparatus.
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Agenda Date: 5/18/2026
Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by:
John Lollis, Assistant City Manager, John.Lollis@visalia.gov, (559)713-4323
Department Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council confirm the submittal of a State budget funding request of Senator Melissa Hurtado in the current 2025-26 Fiscal Year in the amount of $1,009,200 for the replacement of a quintuple combination pumper fire apparatus.
Summary:
Confirm the City’s submission of a State budget funding request of Senator Hurtado in the current 2025-26 Fiscal Year in the amount of $1,009,200 for the replacement of a fire combination pumper fire apparatus.
Background Discussion:
Given better than expected State budget news announced on May 14th as part of the Governor’s May Revise, there exists the potential for the consideration of limited one-time capital project funding requests in the current 2025-26 Fiscal Year, which has been solicited of the City by Senator Hurtado’s Office specifically in support of the Visalia Fire Department.
The Fire Department has identified the need for additional funding toward the acquisition and replacement of a 2004 quintuple combination pumper fire apparatus. The vehicle met the City’s replacement criteria for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, however, Fire Department Administration elected to defer replacement at that time given the vehicle remained mechanically reliable and operationally safe. This decision reflected the Department’s commitment to fiscal stewardship and maximizing the useful life of taxpayer funded assets whenever responsibly possible.
Over the past four (4) years, national fire apparatus has experienced significant cost escalation due to inflation and supply chain issues causing prolonged delays in production. As a result, the original replacement funding allocated by the City is not sufficient to fully fund the current estimated acquisition cost of $2,046,000 despite prudent financial planning and competition with other essential public safety funding priorities. As further example of these challenges, at its meeting on April 6, 2026, the Council received a recommendation to proceed with the replacement of another fire apparatus scheduled to meet the City’s replacement criteria in the future 2027-28 Fiscal Year but not expected for delivery until likely 2032.
While the current apparatus has served the community well, continued reliance on aging equipment presents increased operational and maintenance challenges. Fire apparatus are mission-critical public safety infrastructure and a reliable fleet is essential in maintaining emergency response readiness and continuity of service for the community. As apparatus age, maintenance costs, repair frequency, and downtime increase that invites operational challenges. Compounding again fire apparatus is the increasing wait time from time of order to delivery, which is estimated currently to be at least three (3) years based on recent orders.
The requested funding would help ensure the Department can place into service a modern reliable apparatus capable of supporting emergency services for years to come. In addition to local response needs, the apparatus would greatly support regional mutual aid capability and all-hazards incident response through the Central Valley.
Staff is asking the City Council to confirm this request because the Senator’s staff indicated that filing the request shortly after the May revise release could put the City in the best position for consideration. Staff felt that since the Council has traditionally been supportive of funding for public safety equipment, submitting the letter per the Senator’s guidance and adding the item to the next agenda was a reasonable approach.
Financial Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs:
Any State budget funding received by the City will greatly assist in the implementation of essential public safety projects. Funding received would be one-time, with ongoing maintenance and replacement costs being the responsibility of the City.
Prior Council Action: None
Alternatives:
The City Council could decide to withdraw the funding request.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to confirm the submittal of the State budget funding request of Senator Hurtado in the current 2025-26 Fiscal Year in the amount of $1,009,200 for the replacement of a quintuple combination pumper fire apparatus.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 5/18/2026
Attachments: N/A
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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