City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: EMERGENCY PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR BLADES FROM AIRBUS, OF GRANT PRAIRIE, TEXAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $246,424.97 AND AUTHORIZE A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE SAME AMOUNT ISSUES:
Ratify an emergency purchase order in the amount of $246,424.97 for the purchase of two helicopter main rotor blades from Airbus, of Grand Prairie, Texas and authorize a supplemental appropriation of asset forfeiture funds in the amount of $246,424.97 from the Federal Treasury Asset Forfeiture Trust Account to the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund Police Department Federal Treasury Asset Forfeiture Program Account.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Ratify emergency purchase order number 272187 in the amount of $246,424.97 for the purchase of two helicopter main rotor blades from Airbus, of Grand Prairie, Texas; and By at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenues and a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $246,424.97 to the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Police Department Federal Treasury Asset Forfeiture Program Accounts from the Federal Treasury Asset Forfeiture Trust Account for the purchase of two helicopter main rotor blades.
BACKGROUND:
The Riverside Police Department’s (RPD) Air Support Unit (ASU) is tasked with providing aerial support and expertise for the Department’s patrol, investigative, administrative, and City government needs. The ASU is responsible for enhancing the safety of the community and police personnel through the strategic deployment of airborne technologies. The unit currently operates two Airbus H125 Helicopters. It is crucial that the helicopters are readily available, safe, and reliable in order to accomplish operational responsibilities. When a helicopter is out of service for an extended period, it has a negative impact on public safety.
DISCUSSION:
An incident occurred in early July 2026, that caused damage to the rotor blades on one of the Helicopters putting the helicopter out of service. Replacement blades were found but the order required a 30-day lead time. Meanwhile the other helicopter was approaching a scheduled maintenance that would put that helicopter out of service. In order to have at least one working helicopter it was crucial that a PO be issued as soon as possible so that the main rotor blades could be ordered, received, and repaired prior to the other helicopter being put out of service. The estimated cost of the two rotor blades was $242,670.58. Later freight costs were added for a total cost of $246,424.97.
Additionally, it was deemed critical that ASU have two working helicopters as soon as possible in case of a fire emergency, which is more common this time of year. It takes time to switch the aircraft from patrol ready to a fire suppression configuration by installing the bambi bucket required for fire response. When both aircraft are operational, one can be prepared for a fire emergency while the other aircraft is patrol ready. When only one aircraft is operational, there is a delay in RPD’s aviation response when called upon to assist with fire suppression because of the time required to prepare the aircraft to respond for a fire emergency.
Purchasing Overview
This action is pursuant to Purchasing Resolution 24101, Section 301 which states, “An “emergency” shall be deemed to exist when…(c) A breakdown in machinery, facilities or essential services which requires the immediate Procurement of Goods, Services or Construction to protect the public health, welfare, safety, property, or personal/confidential information” and Section 602 which states, “Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required…(a) When an emergency arises and Emergency Procurement is undertaken pursuant to Article Three hereof.” The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommended action is compliant with Purchasing Resolution 24101.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this action is $246,424.97. Upon Council approval, an increase in revenue and expenditures in the amount of $246,424.97 will be recorded in the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, Police Department Federal Treasury Asset Forfeiture Program, in the revenue and expenditure accounts listed in Table 2 below. The account used for the funding source is listed below in Table 1.
Table 1: Funding Source
Fund
Description
Account
Amount
Interest Bearing Special Deposits
Federal Treasury Asset Forfeiture
0000721-225112
$246,424.97
Table 2: Appropriation
Fund
Account Description
Account Number
Amount
Revenue
Grants & Restricted Programs
Police Asset Forfeiture - US Treasury
3145501-374500
$246,424.97
Expenditures
Grants & Restricted Programs
Forfeiture/US Treasury-Special Dept. Supplies
3145501-424210
$246,424.97
Prepared by: Brandi Becker, Police Administrator
Approved by: Larry V. Gonzalez, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Thomas R. Hatch, Interim City Manager
Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachments:
Emergency Purchase Order No. 272187
Invoice 261625924
Invoice 261625925
Helicopter Main Rotor Blade Replacement ● Page 2