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Fire and EMS push for off-road rescue vehicle; chief seeks sheriff's letter for grant
Summary
Fire Chief Derek Tolman described quotes for a rescue side-by-side and said he has applied for a grant that could cover roughly half the cost; council debated vehicle type, sponsorship and whether to earmark a city match while awaiting the grant decision.
Fire Chief Derek Tolman told council the department needs off-road access for trail rescues and brush incidents and presented vendor quotes for a Polaris side-by-side ranging from about $48,500 to more than $70,000 depending on skid and EMS configuration. Tolman said he had completed a grant application that would cover about half the vehicle cost if the county sheriff provides a letter of support: “I just need that letter from Sheriff Sparks,” he said.
Discussion split along risk- and cost-management lines: some members said a side-by-side is the only practical way to reach certain trails and river-bank calls, citing past incidents where crew access was limited; others argued a fully equipped four-by-four pickup could cover many needs at lower lifecycle cost. Councilors proposed alternatives including sponsorships, a targeted fundraising campaign, or placing a conditional city match in the FY26 budget contingent on grant award. Tolman noted the department had already pursued a grant and would submit the sheriff's letter promptly if provided.
Next steps: staff and the public-safety committee will refine cost estimates, evaluate grant likelihood and consider whether to include a contingent match in the draft budget pending award notification.
