3/26/2025
1 RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
City CouncilApril 8, 2025Measure Z Purchase -Personal Protective Gear (PPE)Fire Department RiversideCA.gov2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONThe Budget Engagement Committee convened on February 13, 2025, to review and considerrecommending that the City Council approve a supplemental appropriation in the totalamount of $506,284 for the purchase of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) andPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the amount of $371,284 and $135,000, respectively.Following discussion, the Commission unanimously voted to support the recommendation.1 2 3/26/2025
2 RiversideCA.gov3
BACKGROUND•Critical Role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): –Firefighters rely on PPE for safety during emergencies, including fires, rescues, and hazardous incidents•Extreme conditions lead to significant wear and tear.•Inventory Challenges: –Supply shortages and inflation have driven up the cost of PPE considerably.–A combination of increased replacement costs and frequent wear and tear has left the department unable to maintain an adequate inventory of PPE. –This shortage affects the ability to properly outfit firefighters and maintain reserve equipment while PPE is being cleaned or repaired RiversideCA.gov4
DISCUSSION•Fire Public Safety Additional PPE Needed: –RFD is experiencing PPE shortages due to increased wear and tear and rising replacement costs driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions.•These shortages compromise firefighter safety and operational readiness. –Additional PPE is essential to properly outfit all personnel and maintain reserves for cleaning or repairs.3 4 3/26/2025
3 RiversideCA.gov
5 This item contributes to Strategic Priority Number 2:
Community Well-Being and Goal 2.6 – Strengthen
community preparedness for emergencies to ensure
effective response and recovery.
Cross-Cutting Threads
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
RiversideCA.gov
6 RECOMMENDATIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of PPE in the amount of $135,000; and
2. With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $135,000 from Measure Z fund balance for Fire PPE.
5 6