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Fire Rescue outlines FY2026–27 budget priorities, seeks lifeguard staffing and equipment leases
Summary
Fire Rescue projected roughly $6.4 million in departmental revenues for FY2026–27 and presented zero‑based budgeting work that would add ocean rescue lifeguards, lease cardiac monitors rather than buy, and bid a three‑year hydrant inspection contract estimated at $129,000–$159,000 annually.
Delray Beach Fire Rescue presented its tentative FY2026–27 budget to the City Commission on May 5, outlining priorities to sustain core emergency services while addressing equipment lifecycles and ocean rescue staffing.
Chief Ron Martin told commissioners the department has organized five program areas—emergency operations, fire and life safety, emergency management and homeland security, ocean rescue lifeguard services, and administration—and used a zero‑based approach that included frontline supervisors. "We started out fiscal year 2627 like we did the previous fiscal year with focusing on sustainability of our core services," Chief Martin said.
The department projected incoming revenues of about $6.4 million for FY27 and said it incorporated a 4.256% inflation assumption into its planning. Martin highlighted several specific budget items: a recommended annualized lease (rather than purchase) for cardiac monitors, which have a 7–10 year lifespan; a planned invitation to bid for three‑year certification and maintenance of roughly one‑third of the city's 865 fire hydrants per year (estimated cost $129,000–$159,000 annually); and capital equipment and mandatory testing needs for emergency operations.
On ocean rescue, the department proposed adding seven full‑time lifeguard positions and two supervisors to reduce reliance on part‑time staff, allow scheduled training and rest cycles, and provide immediate backup for high‑risk water rescues. "Based on our available data, we feel that adding seven lifeguards with two additional supervisors ... would give us a good starting point to do a re‑evaluation," Chief Martin said.
Deputy Chief Travis Franco and Assistant Chiefs Steve Maize and David Garcia participated in the presentation and answered operational clarifications. The department said it will collect improved field data next year to refine staffing models.
The presentation was informational; commissioners did not vote on any budget items at the workshop. Staff and commissioners said they would review the proposals and follow up with detailed questions before formal budget hearings.
