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Fire marshal seeks $30,000 for off-site cleaning and storage as new TCFP rules take effect
Summary
Fire Marshal Mike Taylor said new Texas Commission on Fire Protection rules adopted in 2025 require changes in how gear is cleaned and stored; he requested a roughly 12% professional services increase (about $30,000) and an overall 8% departmental rise to cover equipment, fuel and facility needs sourced from the fire fund.
Fire Marshal Mike Taylor told the court his office faces an estimated 8% budget increase tied to higher fuel and maintenance costs and new cleaning requirements from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). "The Texas Fire Commission has put out some new regulations as far as safety equipment, and protective gear ... This actually went into law back in September '25," Taylor said, explaining a one-year grace period delays enforcement until about September 2026.
Taylor asked for a 12% boost under professional services (about $30,000) to identify off-site storage and cleaning capacity so turnout gear can be cleaned and stored without risking cross-contamination. He emphasized the change would be covered from the fire fund, not the general tax levy, and said the office has been managing permit and inspection revenue to sustain operations. Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinating with neighboring cities and facilities to develop compliant, cost-effective solutions.
