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Fire chief outlines $1.4M needs‑assessment and timeline for staffing, fleet and facilities
Summary
Fire Chief Valerie Frosto presented a comprehensive SAFD needs assessment funded at $1.4M in FY26 that will evaluate staffing, fleet and facilities; staff expect consultant selection by April 2026 and phased deliverables through 2026–27.
Fire Chief Valerie Frosto told the committee the city will begin a comprehensive needs assessment for the San Antonio Fire Department covering long‑term staffing, fleet and equipment and a facilities master plan.
"The FY26 budget includes $1,400,000 for this initiative," Chief Frosto said, and staff plan to finalize the scope by the end of the year, release an RFP, select a consultant by April 2026 and complete the staffing and equipment assessment by summer 2026 with facilities work following by late 2026 or early 2027. The assessment will use national standards (NFPA, ISO, Center for Public Safety Excellence) and include firefighter association participation, Frosto said.
Council members asked the assessment to look out farther (10–15 years) to align with bond cycles and expected growth, requested attention to the sports district and urban‑core needs, and asked staff to identify land‑banking options for future stations. Members also asked the consultant to evaluate alternative deployment models (e.g., squads) and to include mental‑health supports for firefighters in the scope.
Staff said the staffing and equipment component could inform FY27 budget development and that some station replacement recommendations are already identified and could be presented for the next bond program. The committee directed staff to continue refining the scope, include stakeholder groups and return with details as the RFP process proceeds.
