DATE: September 16, 2025
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Interim Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $2 Million in State Budget Funding for Fire Station Upgrades
RECOMMENDATION
That Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) to accept and appropriate $2 million in State budget funding for fire station upgrades.
SUMMARY
The Hayward Fire Department was contacted by Senator Wahab’s office to explore a state funding opportunity associated with renovation and refurbishment for fire facilities. The department has identified a need to renovate Station 9 due to aging amenities and expansion of services. Senator Wahab’s office confirmed the proposal and secured the funding for the department. The department now seeks authorization to accept and appropriate funds for usage.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
The City has been identified in Assembly Bill 157, the Budget Act of 2024, as the recipient of $2 million in earmarked budget funds, “for Fire Department station upgrades.” Staff recommends that the Council authorize the City Manager to accept these earmarked funds and appropriate them into fund 405 to be used for station upgrades, which will be prioritized based on highest need.
In September 2024, the State of California issued Assembly Bill 157, the Budget Act of 2024, which reads:
SEC. 14. Item 0690-101-0001 of Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2024 is amended to read: 0690-101-0001 for local assistance, office of emergency services Schedule:
Of the amount appropriated in Schedule (2), $2,000,000 shall be provided to the City of Hayward for Fire Department station upgrades.
The Bill provides the City with discretion to use the funding for fire station upgrades as needed. HFD will begin by assessing the need for such upgrades, prioritizing upgrades based on necessity, and bearing in mind the City’s current budget deficit. There is no match requirement for this funding.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This initiative will enhance community safety and quality of life, with a specific emphasis on “strengthening emergency preparedness” by ensuring that there are adequate facilities for first responders.
FISCAL IMPACT
Accepting and appropriating the $2 million earmarked for City by the State will allow the City to address necessary Fire station upgrades without using the City’s General Fund.
NEXT STEPS
If Council adopts the resolution to appropriate the $2 million earmarked funds, staff will create a project in Fund 405 for this funding and will report annually on its use as part of the City’s CIP process.
Prepared by: Lauren Dekas, Management Analyst
Recommended by: Eric Vollmer, Interim Fire Chief
Approved by:
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Jayanti Addleman, Interim City Manager