Committee backs resolution letting mayor and fire leaders solicit donations to speed purchase of fire apparatus

The Government Audit and Oversight Committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on May 15 voted to forward a resolution that would authorize the mayor and specified city and fire officials to solicit donations from private entities to support procurement of fire apparatus.

Sponsor Supervisor Connie Chan said the measure is intended to give the city an interim tool to speed replacement of aging vehicles while the ordinary budget process continues. “Manufacturing across the country is monopolized by three companies and the orders can take years to fulfill,” Chan said, quoting the fire department’s estimate that waits could exceed 1,000 days. She and Chief Dean Crispin said some trucks in service date to the 1970s and can be unreliable during major incidents.

Chief Dean Crispin, representing the Fire Department, described the operational risk during a major disaster if out-of-service or insufficient apparatus are available. “During a major disaster, should the bridges be down, we employ ferries to bring [mutual aid] firefighters into the city. Potentially, we could have a thousand or more firefighters… Our concern is that we don't have the proper amount of functional apparatus,” Crispin said.

Vice Chair Sauter and Supervisor Sherrill both voiced support in committee, citing station visits and recent local fires that illustrated the department’s equipment needs. There was no public comment on the item.

The committee approved a motion to forward the resolution to the full Board of Supervisors as a committee report with a positive recommendation. The roll call recorded Vice Chair Sauter — Aye; Member Sherrill — Aye; Chair Jackie Fielder — Aye; motion passed.

Why it matters: The resolution would temporarily allow the mayor and named city and fire officials to solicit private gifts for apparatus purchases notwithstanding the city’s behest-of-payment rules. Supporters said the authority could help the Fire Department obtain equipment customized to San Francisco’s terrain and built environment more quickly than standard procurement would allow. Opponents were not recorded in committee testimony; additional review will occur when the measure appears on the full board agenda.

Next steps: The item will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors on May 20, 2025, where the underlying powers granted and any conditions on private donations, contracting authority, and reporting requirements will be reviewed.

Votes at committee: Motion to forward as a committee report with positive recommendation — Passed (3–0).