ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: May 1, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent-Miscellaneous TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kevin Albertson, Fire Chief
DATE: May 13, 2026
SUBJECT: Appropriate $10,000 Fire Trust Fund -Fire Recovery Fee to the Fire Department General Fund Operating Budget for the purchase of outdoor equipment.
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.
BACKGROUND:
The Bakersfield Fire Department’s firefighters work 24-hour shifts that require them to always remain on duty and available for emergency response. During these extended shifts, crews must prepare meals on- site while maintaining readiness to respond immediately. Several stations currently have limited or aging outdoor cooking and cooling equipment, making it difficult to support personnel throughout these shifts and during training activities.
The department also maintains a cost-recovery program through its Fire Recovery Fees, which are used to recover the costs of emergency responses and specialized services. These fees help the department maintain adequate resources, reduce reliance on tax revenue, and ensure responsible parties reimburse the City incident-related costs, supporting operational readiness and essential resources.
Barbecue grills and coolers provide essential support for meal preparation and safe food storage within the firehouse, during outdoo r training activities, and at community events. These items contribute to firefighter wellness, operational readiness, and positive community interaction.
Staff requests the appropriation of $10,000 Fire Trust Fire Recovery Funds to the Fire Department General Fund operating budget to fund the purchase of outdoor equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the Fire Department General Fund, expenses will be covered by the Fire Trust Fund- Fire Recovery Fee.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
None