CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
March 18, 2025 {{section.number}}e
FY 2024-25 APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS FOR ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINE APPARATUS RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize appropriation and amend the FY 2024-25 Budget in the amount of $86,000 for the outfitting of the RTX Electrical Fire Engine.
BACKGROUND:
On November 19, 2024, the City Council approved the purchase of the RTX electric fire engine as part of the City’s commitment to sustainability and the modernization of public safety operations. The original construction and delivery timeline for the apparatus was estimated at 18 to 24 months. Typically, fire and rescue equipment required for apparatus outfitting is procured closer to the time of delivery. However, in December 2024, the department was informed that a completed RTX was available, resulting in a revised delivery date of June 2025.
Each fire apparatus purchase includes a degree of custom outfitting to ensure that compartments are appropriately configured to house fire and rescue equipment specific to the department. As equipment evolves in both capability and size over time, it is common for certain components to be newly purchased and shipped to the fire apparatus manufacturer for the installation of custom hardware and brackets. Once the outfitting process is completed, the apparatus is then shipped to the City and placed into service.
ANALYSIS:
The Coronado Fire Department operates under unique conditions, including variations in call volume, incident type, geographic challenges, station infrastructure, staffing models, and operational priorities. Given these factors, it is essential that the Fire Department has direct input in the design and specifications of its apparatus. A standardized fire engine may not fully meet the specific operational needs of the City’s firefighters, potentially leading to inefficiencies in emergency response, safety concerns, and increased long-term costs due to necessary modifications or operational limitations.
To ensure optimal performance, the Fire Department procures specific fire and rescue equipment for delivery to the manufacturer for integration into the apparatus. This process allows for customization that enhances operational effectiveness, including compartment layouts for essential equipment, hose configurations suited to local target hazards, and compatibility with mutual aid partner agencies. Additionally, as this will be the City’s first electric fire engine, careful planning is necessary to facilitate a seamless transition from a traditional diesel-powered apparatus.
The total value of equipment housed on a fire apparatus is estimated at $300,000. Since the RTX apparatus is replacing an existing unit, the department has conducted a thorough evaluation to determine which equipment can be repurposed and replaced later through the standard budgeting process and which items must be purchased immediately for custom outfitting. The cost of the equipment required for immediate procurement is estimated at $86,000.
By investing in this specification process, the City ensures that the new fire engine will be fully functional, operationally efficient, and tailored to the Fire Department’s needs. This approach maximizes the value of the investment, maintains fiscal responsibility, enhances firefighter safety, and strengthens the department’s ability to provide the highest level of service to the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
As part of the FY 2024-25 budget, $1,300,000 was approved to purchase a fire engine. On November 19, 2024, an additional appropriation of $900,000 was approved to acquire an electric fire engine, instead of a diesel-powered engine. The expedited delivery requires an additional appropriation of approximately $86,000 to properly outfit the electric fire engine to meet the Fire Department’s operational requirements. The additional appropriation of $86,000 will be transferred from the General Fund (100) to the Vehicle Replacement Fund (135).
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council may choose not to appropriate additional funding and provide further direction to staff.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Not Applicable.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Submitted By: Fire Services / Jayson Summers