Agenda Item No: K.9
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: January 20, 2026
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution 2026-07 FD Type I Pumper Truck Purchase and Budget Increase
Suspending Competitive Bidding for the Replacement Purchase of a Type I Pumper Truck and Authorizing an Update to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget
Funding Source: $1,172,233 ($1,000,000, Vehicle Replacement Fund; $172,233; General Fund)
Contact: John Sturdee (707) 436-7228
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt resolution.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
Fire Department unit #F1422 is a Pierce Type I pumper truck that has met its useful first life, is due for replacement, and will be moved into our reserve fleet once the new truck is in service.
City Council approved the replacement on June 17, 2025 , with Resolution 2025 -103 and $1,000,000 was budgeted for the purchase in fiscal year ( FY) 2025-2026. It has since been determined that to acquire a replacement Type I and corresponding equipment, an additional $172,232.75 inclusive of sales tax is required.
DISCUSSION
The fire truck manufacturing industry has had severe challenges over the last few years, including a lack of staff to build these trucks. The industry has seen a consolidation of companies over the last ten years that has led to a reduction of production facilities which has caused sharp increases in price and lead times. Additionally, with this purchase the City must bid an E nvironmental Protection Agen cy 2027 compliant motor, which is one of the biggest cost drivers. The last purchase of three Type I pumper trucks from Pierce in 2021 had a lead time of 9 months and now lead time is quoted at 50 months. The 2021 purchase had a price of $681,000 plus taxes per truck while this year the price has risen to $1,071,701.50 plus taxes for the same type of truck.
Specifications for this purchase have been developed based on minimum safety standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and meet vehicle typing requirements imposed by the State of California. Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) has a rigorous bidding process and awarded a contract for Type I Pumper Trucks to Pierce Manufacturing utilizing their national buying power. Golden State Fire Apparatus is the local dealer for Pierce Manufacturing and acts on their behalf.
The City can purchase the replacement Type I Pumper Truck utilizing the (HGAC) government procurement service. Utilizing the HGAC contract and pre -paying for the Type I Pumper Truck will save the City over $176,133.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total cost for the replacement of unit #F1422 is for a not -to-exceed $1,172,232.75 inclusive of taxes and necessary replacement equipment. While $1,000,000 is currently budgeted in the Fire Department Vehicle Replacement Fund (51255101), the Department is requesting a budget adjustment of $172,232.75 to cover the difference in cost (10155101).
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
N/A
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may reject this acquisition, however, staff from Finance, Public Works and Fire have evaluated all possible options and recommend this process for purchase as the best and most cost-effective course of action for the City.
COORDINATED WITH
Finance and Public Works Departments
STAFF CONTACT
Taylor Armour, Fire Administration Division Manager
(707) 428-7593
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Resolution
Attachment 3: Proposal