Delivering Excellence:
Fire Department
Budget Update
Michael Contreras
Fire Chief
March 5,2025
Introduction
As your Fire Chief, it’s my privilege to provide an update on the tremendous progress our department has made over the last year, and to update the progress that we have made on the goals listed in our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. Our achievements have been guided by our unwavering commitment to our department values ( IDEAL) Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, and Leadership all of which are embedded in the seven pillars of our strategic plan 2022
Fire Dept
Org Chart
Fire Administration
Financial Management
Fire Department Planning
Records Management
Facilities/Equipment Maintenance
Personnel Management
Fire Administration is
responsible for managing the
City’s emergency services
and ambulance services (life
safety), public education, fire
prevention/protection,
and emergency management
(disaster preparedness)
programs.
There are five main
components in this program:
Fire Emergency Services
(Suppression and Paramedic Fire
Engines and Fire Trucks) Fire
Emergency Services is
responsible for medical
emergencies, fires, hazardous
materials incidents, and natural
disasters, as well as, to provide
advanced life support and
emergency transport services.
There are five main components
to this program:
Emergency Service
Non-Emergency Service
Patient Assessment
Patient Treatment
Emergency Transportation Service
Fire Emergency Services
Fire Ambulance Services
The City’s Ambulance (Paramedic) Services Program
provides advanced life support and emergency
ambulance services.
Dual Role Firefighter/Paramedics are specially trained
to provide advanced life support (ALS) to patients
during emergency incidents.
Fire Prevention
Fire Prevention is
designed to reduce
injuries, loss of life, and
property loss.
The Fire Prevention
Division is responsible for:
Public Education
Business Inspections
Development Review/Plan Checking
System Checks
Fire/Arson Investigation
Fire-setter Counseling
Emergency Management
The City’s Emergency Management
operates from the Fire Department
providing Disaster Preparedness
Programs to support the needs of the
community before, during and after a
disaster. This program also ensures
the ongoing readiness of the City’s
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
and ensures city staff is adequately
trained to activate, operate, and
deactivate the EOC.
The four main components of the
program include:
Emergency Operations Center Management
Equipment and Supplies
Staff Training on the Standard Emergency Management
System (SEMS) and National Information Management
System (NIMS)
Creation and development of the cities Emergency
Operations Plan (EOP) and Local Hazardous Mitigation
Plan (LHMP)
Goal A – Serving Our Community
Implemented Fire Cadet
Program
Council Goal: A-3
Developed and Implemented
AO Bridge Program
Council Goal: A-4 / FD Goal: F-3
Implemented Career
Development Plans
Council Goal: A-5 / FD Goal: F-3
Updated and Distributed
2023-2026 FD Strategic Plan
Aligning with Planning Goals
Council Goal: A-8
Maintained Staffing through
Continuous Recruitment,
Reducing Forced Overtime
Council Goal: A-4
Established Committees for
Key Programs and Areas
FD Goal: A-2
Goal B - Community Investment
Ordered a new Rosenbauer Truck and
Engine in 2023, ahead of a 2024 target,
ensuring equipment readiness
Council Goal: B-13
Instituted fleet maintenance and
preventive maintenance program
Council Goal: B-13
Goal C – Fiscal Stability
Increased insurance card
collection efforts on
EMS transports for quicker
revenue recovery
FD Goal: C-2
Enhanced ambulance billing
revenue reaching $3.6 million
in FY24. On track to reach $4
million in FY24-25
FD Goal: C-2
Increased ambulance billing
recovery by 30% with
PPGEMT -IGT participation
FD Goal: C-2
Hired a Fire Marshal in 2023,
increasing fire prevention
oversight and annual
inspection compliance
Council Goal: C-6
Reduced Turnout Time by 40%
(2022-2024) - Reduction of 42
Seconds
FD Goal: D-1
Transitioned Fire Department
files to SharePoint and/or One
Drive for enhanced
security
Council Goal: D-3
Implemented a dashboard
for performance monitoring in
2024, enhancing data-driven
decisions
Council Goal: D-5
Partnered with Desert
Regional Medical Center for
Fall Prevention Classes
Council Goal: D-7
Community Risk Reduction:
Established innovative
community-based programs
Council Goal: D-7
Goal D - Innovation
Goal E- Safety
Received OTS Grant for
Car Seat Safety Program
FD Goal: E-1
Sound the Alarm Event
Installed over 500 smoke
alarms
Council Goal: E -3
Received Grant to Update
the LHMP and EOP
Council Goal: E -4
Implemented Mental and
Physical Wellness Program
Council Goal: E -6
Updated on-site Station
Gym Equipment
Council Goal: E -6
8 Disaster Preparedness
Workshops held throughout
the Community
Council Goal: E -5
3 CERT Classes held
Annually
Council Goal: E -5
6 Fall Prevention Classes
Council Goal: E -7
6 Stop the Bleed Classes
Council Goal: E -7
2 Sidewalk CPR Classes
Council Goal: E-7
American Heart Association
CPR Classes for the
Community
Council Goal: E -7
Exploring Drowning
Prevention Programs
Council Goal: E -7
Goal F- Embracing Inclusiveness
Pancake Breakfast &
Fire Prevention Open
House
Council Goal: F -3
Boots, Brews, and
Chews Station 2
Community Event
Council Goal: F -3
Holiday Posada & Toy
Giveaway with CCBGC
Council Goal: F -3
Participated in Trunk or
Treat with CCBGC
Council Goal: F -3
Participated in the
Touch-A-Truck Event
Council Goal: F -3
Participated in the
CCHS Homecoming
Parade
Council Goal: F -3
Ice Cream Social Event
Council Goal: F -3
Participated in the
Fields of Valor at Patriot
Park
Council Goal: F -3
Goals for 2025
Continue Community Risk Reduction Programs
Fully Train New and Existing Fire Department Personnel to Meet Minimum Safety Standards
Initiate Training of Fire
Department Rescue Teams:
HazMat
Technical Rescue
Rope Rescue
Swift Water Rescue
Department Safety Officer
Goals for 2025
Measure W: Implement 4 th Ambulance with Measure W funds EMD: Re-implement EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch )
ISO: Obtain an ISO rating of 2
Operational Readiness and Equipment Maintenance
Fleet Maintenance & Operations
• Increase funds to address an aging fleet and to replace engines. • Additional support for new/reserve ambulance maintenance to meet Measure W needs.
Maintenance & Operations / Shop/Repair/Misc Supplies
• Upgrades for copier systems, radio communications, and specialized tools. • Ensures efficient daily operations and readiness for emergency responses.
Overall Impact
• Enhances reliability, maintains quick response times, and secures long-term community safety.
Training, Accreditation, and Professional Development
Conference/Meeting/Training
• Increased funding for accreditation, paramedic re -certification, and ongoing professional training.
• Support for specialized courses in Hazmat, Rescue, and Swift Water operations.
Airfare/Hotel/Miscellaneous Training Expenses
• Funds allocated for travel and lodging due to limited local training options. • Ensures personnel access to top -tier instruction necessary for state and federal standards.
Overall Impact
• Keeps our firefighters current on best practices, improves skill sets, and meets regulatory mandates.
Technology, Communication, and Administrative Support
Internet & IT Equipment
• Upgrades for department cell phones, iPads, and tablet command software. • New computer systems for both administrative and station needs to support Measure W.
Legal Fees & Administrative Support
• Increased funds to manage rising legal costs and enhance overall administrative infrastructure. • Investments include copier upgrades and updated office equipment.
Overall Impact
• Modernizes our communication systems, increases operational efficiency, and supports day - to-day administrative functions.
Safety Gear, Uniforms, and Public Outreach
Uniforms & Safety Gear
• Additional funding for state -mandated biannual laundering decontamination and safety checks of turnout gear.
• Increases to support growing staffing needs with updated, compliant uniforms.
Advertising & Public Outreach
• Enhanced budget for community engagement and fire prevention education. • Expands reach of public awareness campaigns to promote safety and preparedness.
Overall Impact
• Ensures that our firefighters are properly equipped and that the public is well informed, ultimately strengthening community safety.
Overall Financial Stewardship
Comprehensive Budget Adjustments
• Increases driven by evolving operational demands and long-term community safety requirements. • Adjustments based on detailed analysis of fleet, training, IT , and equipment needs.
Strategic Investment
• Investments align with regulatory mandates and the commitments of the Measure W ballot initiative. • Focus on sustainable improvements to maintain operational readiness and cost efficiency.
Overall Impact
• Every dollar is a strategic investment in our department’s ability to serve and protect the community now and into the future.
Fire Prevention Services - Fire Marshal
FY 2021-22
Actuals
FY 2022-23
Actuals
FY 2023-24
Actuals
FY 2024-25
Projected
FY 2025-26
Projected
FY 2026-27
Projected
CSG Contracting Fees $23,712.50 $18,252.50 $2,822.00 - - - Revenue $40,195.03 $20,170.70 $17,961.00 $40,000 $30,000 $30,000 Total to General Fund $16,482.53 $1,918.20 $15,139.00 $40,000 $30,000 $30,000 With the addition of our Part-Time Fire Marshal, we have effectively reduced plan review times while increasing the funds that are added to the General Fund.
The Fire Marshal also provides additional oversight to ensure compliance for the following:
• Annual Business Inspections
• Annual School Inspections
• Special Events
• Special Use Permits and T emporary Certificates of Occupancy • New Construction
STAFFING FY 21-22 FY22-23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25 FY 25-26 FY 26-27 Change
From
FY 21-22
Administrative Staff 3 3 3 3 4 4 + 1
Command Staff 1 1 2 2.5 3.5 3.5 + 2.5
Safety Personnel 36 39 39 39 45 45 + 9
Ambulance Operators 2 9 9 9 9 9 + 7
Total Fire Personnel 42 52 53 53.5 61.5 61.5
+ 19.5
46%
Increase
Fire Department Staffing & Responses
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE FY 21-22 FY 22-23 FY 23-24 FY 24-25
(PROJECTED)
FY 25-26
(PROJECTED)
FY 26-27
(PROJECTED)
Change
From
FY 22-23
9-1-1 Calls for Service 6,207 7,309 7,590 7,900 8200 8500 + 2,293
37%
increase
Unit Responses 13,134 14,868 15,942 17,000 18,100 19,200 + 6,066
46%
increase
Current
Fire Dept
Org Chart
Proposed
Fire Dept
Org Chart
Measure W - Budget Increase
• 1 Medix F-450 Ambulance - $370,460
• Gurney, Stair Chair, Zoll Monitor - $65,310Vehicle
• 2 sets of Standard Uniforms, PPE and Gear
• Total Cost - $84,696Uniforms
• Average annual overtime cost per sworn position
• Total Cost $268,000 ($44,680 per position)Overtime
• Standardized and Specialized training required for
operational safety – Increase of $50,000Training
• Additional furnishings, storage and gender-neutral
upgrades to accommodate Medic 4 - $25,000Facility Upgrades Personnel Request
6 Firefighters
Full-time Firefighters to
staff Medic 4.
Administrative/EMS
Battalion Chief
Oversight of the CRR
program, County Meetings,
EMS Staff, EMS Coordinator
and Operations Training.
Office/Admin Assistant
Added support to
accommodate increased
administrative needs in Fire
Administration.
Budget Increase for Increase Personnel
6 Firefighters
• $ 900,000 Salary
(fully burdened)
• $ 268,000
Average
Overtime
Battalion
Chief
• $ 140,000 Salary
(fully burdened)
• $ 15,000
Projected
Overtime
Office/Admin
Assistant
• $ 80,000 Salary
(fully burdened)
• $ 0 Projected
Overtime
Total
Increase
• $ 1,120,000
Salary
• $ 283,000
Overtime
• $ 1,403,000
TOTAL
Budget Summary
FY 2021-22
Actuals
FY 2022-23
Actuals
FY2023-24
Actuals
FY 2024-25
Budgeted
FY 2025-26
Projected
FY 2026-27
Projected
Salaries/Benefits $8,531,745 $10,066,478 $9,710,195 $10,926,002 City Charges $494,380 $912,435 $1,049,150 $1,537,630
Overtime $2,734,302 $2,255,465 $1,834,873 $2,155,880
Operations $889,324 $1,268,571 $1,825,947 $1,931,942
TOTAL $12,649,751 $14,502,949 $14,420,165 $16,551,454
Revenue *Projected $2,706,209 $2,907,251 $3,638,336 *$4,115,000 $4,600,000 $5,000,000 Measure W Allocation - - - - $1,000,000 $1,000,000
General Fund Impact $9,943,542 $11,595,699 $10,781,829 $12,436,454 Key Metrics
Category FY 21-22 FY 26-27 % Change
Total Staffing 42 61.5 +46%
9-1-1 Calls for
Service 6,207 8,500 +37%
Unit Responses 13,134 19,200 +46%
Cost Per 9-1-1 Call $1,601.05 $1,670.52 +4.34%
Cost Per Unit
Response $757.02 $739.39 -2.33%
Despite a 46% increase in staffing and higher service demand, the department has maintained fiscal efficiency, keeping the cost per unit response lower while ensuring public safety.
Strategic staffing and budget management allow the department to meet growing emergency needs while maintaining cost efficiency.
WHAT DOES THIS GET YOU?
Increase Ambulance Service
Continued Community Risk Reduction
Decrease Response Times
Highly Trained firefighter
A more prepared Fire Department for disasters and complex calls A more cost-efficient department
CPSE Accredited and Class 2 fire department
Questions