Council presses for funding and bidding details on proposed firefighter wellness program; item set to return with budget amendment

Fire department leadership asked the City Council to approve a health and wellness program for firefighters that would include annual medical monitoring, fitness assessments, behavioral health resources and injury prevention consistent with NFPA standards. Presenters argued such programs improve operational readiness and reduce long‑term workers' compensation costs.

Councilmembers supported the goal but raised procedural concerns: the city’s budget policy generally requires funding be identified before entering a contract, and councilmembers asked whether the city had used a competitive procurement process. Staff said the item was presented as a concept and that they had contacted several vendors; the recommended vendor, On Duty Health, had provided a sole‑source letter for certain services and works with many California fire departments.

Council substituted a motion to hold the item and to return it during upcoming budget discussions with a proposed funding source; the substitute motion passed. Staff said the program could be funded from ambulance transport revenues, mutual‑aid administrative fees or other recurring discretionary sources and pledged to return with a budget amendment and procurement details.

Next steps: Staff will identify funding, return with a budget amendment and procurement justification, and present a contract for council approval.