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Fire chief urges $10M boost for EMS and $28M for apparatus replacement
Summary
Fire Chief Hayes White told supervisors the department’s FY2014–15 operating budget is roughly $356 million and asked for nearly $10 million to bolster EMS so the city meets the state’s 80% transport threshold in its exclusive operating area; he also described a multi‑year fleet replacement need totaling roughly $28 million.
Fire Chief Hayes White briefed the Budget and Finance Committee on the Fire Department’s proposed FY2014–15 operating budget of about $356,000,000 (approximately $329,000,000 in General Fund operating support). The chief said the department relies heavily on General Fund dollars (about 70 percent) and that salaries and fringe make up roughly 89 percent of operating costs.
Chief White told supervisors the city must meet a state condition for the Exclusive Operating Area (EOA) requiring the department to handle a minimum of 80 percent of 9‑1‑1 ambulance transports to retain the EOA. The department is currently at about 73 percent and has proposed an infusion of just under $10,000,000 in personnel, ambulances and equipment to reach the 80 percent threshold. “We have proposed additional ambulance personnel, supervision and materials and equipment in order to increase the resources of that division,” the chief said.
On apparatus replacement, the chief described a backlog and a $28,000,000 request to accelerate purchases of engines, trucks, ambulances and command vehicles; he said some frontline rigs are older than recommended operational lifespans and noted vehicles on order and in production. The department also described plans for new Station 4 at Third and Mission Rock and the need to staff new stations as new development increases demand.
Supervisors asked about staffing projections, academy classes and whether the department anticipates returning to earlier staffing levels. Chief White said the department is rebuilding after historic declines and projects staffing in the 1,500–1,600 range over the coming years, with annual academy classes planned through 2017. On apparatus size and maneuverability, the chief said the department will research smaller apparatus options and consult peer cities, while pointing to topography and equipment needs as constraints.
Chief White also listed capital priorities including a portable water supply system, Mission Bay station construction, and investments to cover aging facilities and equipment. The committee did not take final action on the department’s budget requests; the mayor’s budget office is reviewing the EMS request and related materials.
What’s next: The mayor’s budget office will continue reviewing the Fire Department’s requests as the city finalizes the FY2014–15 budget.
