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Sanford staff propose adding full-time rescue unit; recommend delaying engine purchase to partially offset cost
Summary
Finance staff recommended adding a staffed rescue with six positions and equipment financed partly by revenue generated from the unit and by postponing the planned engine purchase.
City finance staff recommended adding a fully staffed rescue unit to the fire department roster as an addition to the FY2026 budget and offsetting part of the cost by postponing a planned engine purchase.
"This was not in the budget book that you have. This is something that we are recommending tonight as an addition to what you have already," Finance Director Cindy Lindsey said, describing the proposal. She said the package would add six positions at about $743,000 including training and uniforms, and a rescue vehicle and equipment estimated at roughly $590,000. Lindsey said the city would also postpone a new fire engine currently budgeted at about $1 million; net additional cost to the budget would be about $291,000 by staff calculations.
Staff described the rescue as a staffing expansion — converting a part‑time rescue operation that began last year into a full‑time, fully equipped rescue assigned to Station 31. Lindsey said staff anticipates revenue tied to rescue operations, estimating about $575,000 in revenue from the new rescue (staff note: this figure was presented as an estimate in the meeting).
Commissioners asked how the change affects capital planning and station coverage; staff said the postponement and rescue purchase would change CIP timing. No formal decision was made at the workshop; commissioners requested written backup including the fire vehicle list and the fiscal implications of moving the engine procurement to a later year.
Chiefs and staff noted that some fire-related purchases are tied to the proposed fire assessment fee, which is scheduled for outreach and possible commission action later in August. Commissioners asked staff to detail which purchases would be covered by assessment revenues if voters approve the fee structure.
The matter remains a staff recommendation; the commission did not vote on the proposal at the session and asked for supplemental materials and financial scenarios before taking action.
