Council reviews $2.6 million wish-list item for rural tanker, station security and firefighter mental‑health supports

Council members reviewed a wish-list request totaling roughly $2.6 million intended to support fire departments and EMS with security upgrades, water tankers for rural areas, expanded mental‑health training and two additional crisis counselors.

Council member Webb described repeated break‑ins at fire stations and said the funding would pay for cameras, fences and other station security measures so vehicles are not vandalized or stolen. Webb also urged purchases of water tankers for rural areas where hydrants are sparse and described recent increases in calls and stress on crews. "I don't know if y'all know this, but all the fire departments have been getting broke into," Webb said.

Karen Pratt, the budget officer, told the committee an account listed as a funding source showed a zero balance: "So this account currently has $0 in it," she said, noting staff would need to identify an available funding source. Kristen Wilson, a staff member who spoke later, said cameras are funded for fire stations but rollout is still in progress: "All the fire stations are funded for coverage with cameras," she said; committee members discussed whether fences or other site‑specific solutions might be more effective in certain locations.

Committee members asked for a detailed breakdown of the $2.6 million ask and whether other departments (for example, water resources) could fund equipment like water tankers. No formal action or allocation was taken; the group deferred detailed funding decisions to the session when funding sources will be discussed.