The budget workshop included a substantive discussion of fire department staffing and apparatus replacement planning. City Manager Dale Freeman told commissioners the budget includes transitioning one existing firefighter into a full-time fire-inspector role to address long-standing backlogs in fire inspections. “We are substantially behind on fire inspections,” Freeman said, and the change is intended to prioritize safety over revenue. Staff will recruit firefighters to backfill the moved position.

Commissioners also debated the fire-truck reserve. Commissioner Cooley and others questioned whether the $100,000 annual reserve target (and current fund balance of roughly $141,000) matched local needs. Fire staff referenced National Fire Protection Association guidance recommending frontline apparatus be replaced every 10–15 years and moved to reserve status at about 15 years; commissioners noted coastal operating conditions and rising manufacturer lead times and prices can shorten useful life and raise replacement costs. The capital plan shows a ladder replacement cost projection of about $1.4 million in a future year.

Separately, staff discussed a high-water vehicle obtained at no cost from the Forest Service; Freeman said estimates to ready that vehicle for front-line use are approximately $5,000–$7,000. The commission asked staff to provide a strategic apparatus-replacement plan that lays out projected costs, timing and funding options — including use of discretionary surtax or infrastructure funds — rather than ad hoc decisions.

No formal action was taken; commissioners asked for a clearer long-range replacement schedule and justification based on NFPA and ISO considerations before committing additional capital.