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Calistoga Council approves battery-powered extrication tool with partial reserve funding
Summary
The council approved purchasing a battery-powered extrication tool (replacement for an aging hydraulic unit) using a $55,000 Office of Traffic Safety grant and $28,000 from general reserves; the measure passed 4–1 with Councilmember Lisa Giff voting no.
The Calistoga City Council voted to accept a $55,000 Office of Traffic Safety grant and use $28,000 from general fund reserves to buy a battery‑powered extrication tool for the Fire Department.
Fire leadership told the council the department’s existing hydraulic tool is more than 16 years old, sometimes fails during checks and struggles to cut or pry modern vehicle materials. The chief said the department uses extrication tools roughly four times a year but that when they are needed it is typically a life‑and‑death situation and faster, more reliable equipment can shorten time to care. The chief recommended keeping the existing tool as a backup; staff estimated a salvage/resale value near $10,000.
Mayor Williams moved to approve the purchase, seconded by Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega. Councilmember Lisa Giff voted no, citing concern about dipping into general reserves; Councilmembers Eisenberg, Cooper, Vice Mayor Lopez Ortega and Mayor Williams voted aye. The motion passed 4–1.
City staff said the purchase will be made up front and then the city will be reimbursed by the grant; they also noted staff may later propose structuring larger apparatus purchases as loans so the general fund can replenish reserves over time.
