Cities Index.
Staff Report - Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Proposed Budget for the Sacramento Fire Department

Sacramento City Council
May 16, 2023

Document
Staff Report - Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Proposed Budget for the Sacramento Fire Department
Meeting
May 16, 2023
Body
Sacramento City Council
Pages
2
Original file
361 KB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on sacramento.granicus.com. That file is the official record.

City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2023-00535 5/16/2023 Discussion Item 18.

Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/24 Proposed Budget for the Sacramento Fire Department File ID: 2023-00535
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Receive and consider for final budget adoption.

Contact: Chris Costamagna, Fire Chief, 916-808-1601, [email protected], Fire Department
Presenter: Chris Costamagna, Fire Chief, 916-808-1601, [email protected], Fire Department
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Department Budget
3-Fire Department Staffing
Additional Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The FY2023/24 Proposed Budget for the Sacramento Fire Department totals $191.7 million and funds 760.50 full-time equivalents (FTE) positions (681 uniform, 58 professional staff and

21.5 non-career) and includes the following budget adjustments:

Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Convert 18.0 FTE dual role firefighters for 30 FTE single role (15.0 FTE Sacramento Fire EMT’S and 15.0 FTE Sacramento Fire Paramedics), add 10.0 FTE single role (5.0 FTE Sacramento Fire EMT’S and 5.0 FTE Sacramento Fire Paramedics), add 3.0 FTE Assistant Chiefs, add 3.0 FTE Fire Captains, and 1.0 FTE Fire Captain (Admin) for the implementation and deployment of the EMS Single Role Program.

Fire Operations: Add 1.0 FTE Fire Captain for Behavior Health Unit Captain to provide department staff adequate response to its members relating to peer support and addressing possible trauma (PTSD/PTSI) situations correctly and in a timely manner.

Page 1 of 2 ends

File ID: 2023-00535 5/16/2023 Discussion Item 18.

Fire Investigations: Add 1.0 FTE Fire Investigator II will enhance the Fire Prevention division by, determining fire origin and cause and the detection and apprehension of parties responsible for committing arson, other fire-related crimes, and insurance fraud.

Fire Prevention Vehicles: Add two (2) Fire Prevention Officer Vehicles to the department’s fleet to ensure each fire prevention officer has the necessary vehicle to adequately perform fire inspections.

Department Revenue Adjustment: Adjust revenue budget by $4.186 million to accurately reflect revenues estimated to be received during FY 2023/24.

Policy Considerations: This report is consistent with Council’s direction and adopted budget principles to use one-time resources strategically, maintain a fiscally sustainable balanced budget, and keep the Council informed on the fiscal condition of the City. The Budget includes funding to address initiatives that will provide or enhance services and programs for the residents of Sacramento, as well as provide the opportunity to implement efficiencies and address critical needs.

Economic Impacts: None.

Environmental Considerations:

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): This report concerns administrative activities that will not have a significant effect on the environment and does not constitute a “project” as defined by the CEQA [CEQA Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(2)].

Sustainability: Not Applicable.

Commission/Committee Action: The budget was presented to the Budget and Audit Committee on May 2, 2023, and Measure U Committee on May 15, 2023.

Rationale for Recommendation: The actions recommended in this report address the funding necessary to implement the City’s financial plan for FY2023/24.

Financial Considerations: Detailed information on the FY2023/24 Fire Department Budget is included in Attachments 2 and 3.

Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.

Page 2 of 2 ends

FY2023/24 Proposed Budget
17 SECTION - 17
Fire
FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

Fire
Committed to excellence in enhancing and protecting life, property, and the environment.

The Fire Department started serving the residents of Sacramento in 1850 as a volunteer organization. In 1872, the Department became the first paid professional fire department west of the Mississippi. The Department responds to many types of emergencies including fires, emergency medi cal calls, hazardous materials incidents, and specialized rescues, such as water, vertical, confined space, and animal. The Department provides emergency services, fi re code enforcement, public education, and fire investigations.

 Fire Administrative Services: Responsible for departmental support of budget, revenues, accounts payable, procurement,
contracts, council reports and grants. Provides
personnel services including hiring, payroll,
workers’ compensation, and testing.

 Fire/Emergency Medical
Services (EMS):

Responds to fires, technical (e.g., Urban Search
& Rescue, water, and heavy rigging), rescues,
hazardous materials incidents, wildland fires, and
other emergencies. Pr ovides emergency
medical services including advanced life support
and transportation.

 Office of the Chief Responsible for developing and providing direction for the Department.

 Technical Services: Provides essential support functions to all divisions, which includes acquisition and repairs
of necessary equipment, information technology;
coordination of all facility maintenance, repairs,
and construction; and fleet maintenance, repairs,
and acquisition. Enforces codes and ordinances
related to fire and life sa fety issues, completes
plan reviews and conducts inspections of
construction pro
jects, coordinates annual life

FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

safety inspections of commercial buildings, and
investigates fires.

 Training/Professional
Standards:

Responsible for essential fire recruit training
including in-service, continuing education, and
outreach/recruitment. Provides oversight and
investigative services related to personnel and
civilian complaints and disciplinary actions.

PROGRAMS/SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS

 Successful recruitment and hiring of th e department's 23rd Fire Chief, Chris Costamagna, two new Deputy Chiefs, and three Fire Assistant Chiefs.  Developed EMS Trainee Job Specificati on, Tuition Assistance Agreement, Job Announcement, and all processes and manuals to run the program effectively. Job posted and closed at 150 applicants within 14 hours for 20 positions.  The Sacramento Fire Department (SFD) ran 109,342 incidents, a 3.5% increase in call volume. The Sacramento Fire Department EMS Division totaled 72,338 incidents in 2022.
 Investigated 528 Fires where 47% of the fires investigated were (Arson) incendiary, leading to a 35% arrest rate.
 Successfully hosted a two-day Girl's Camp with 46 campers, a 46% increase from the previous year. The total percentage of youth of color is 57%. Thirty-six campers resided in the City and County of Sacramento.
 The recent opening of statio n 14 demonstrates our ongoing commitment to upgrading and replacing our aging infrastructure.
 The training division provided 138,537 hours of training through the Los Rios Community College Educational partnership and 74,278 hours of apprentice level training through the California Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CALJAC) partnership—a total of 212,815 training hours is a record high for the training division.

DEPARTMENT EFFICIENCIES

 Continued to support the City of Sacramento’s COVID prevention plan.  Continue to collaborate with th e fleet division to ensure the management of the fire equipment replacement cycle. While addr essing supply chain and vehicle parts issues.
 Achieved State Fire Training (SFT) and California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Site certification for Hazardous Materials Technical Specialist series to allow course delivery for SFD personnel qualification to assist with Type1 Hazardous Materials Unit staffing.

FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

 The new Construction Inspection Unit will continue to utilize emerging technology offered by the city to streamline scheduling and expa nd flexibility in conducting inspections. This has allowed for increased availability to accommodate time-sensitive inspection requests and increased accessibility to the development community.  Continued to work with our EM S partners in the surrounding area to develop a plan to distribute EMS calls according to the urgency and severity of the call.  Continued evaluations of the EMS Division to determine cost-effective measures to provide good community service.

OBJECTIVES FOR FY2023/24
 The department will continue to work toward s establishing a greater connection with our community-based organizations (CBOs), neighborhood leaders, and organizations as we fortify the department.
 The Fire Logistics Division is investi gating a new asset manage ment software to streamline equipment management and provide easier re-supply.  Collaborate with City Departments and the community on developing and implementing a Telehealth Program, whic h will provide precise service to the community.
 Plan and execute promotional assessment processes for the rank of Battalion Chief and Captain at the direction of the Executive Team.

BUDGET AND POSITION CHANGES*

Division Description Fund
Revenue/
Offset
Adjustme nt
Expenditure
Change
FTE
Change
Emergency Medical
Response
Delete vacant dual role firefighter
paramedic/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
positions (18.0 FTE Firefighter) and convert into
single role positions (15.0 FTE Fire EMT and 15.0
FTE Fire Paramedic) and add 10 positions (5.0 FTE
Fire EMT and 5.0 FTE Fire Paramedic) to implement
the Single Role Program. Add positions (3.0 FTE
Assistant Chief, 1.0 FTE Fire Captain Admin, 3.0 Fire
Captain) to manage the day-to-day operations of the
Single Role Program. Positions will be offset by the
deletion of the positions, new Advanced Life Support
revenues and the Intergovernmental Transfer
commitment of General Fund Balance.

General (2,745,201) 2,745,201 29.00
Fire Investigation Add a position (1.0 FTE Fire Investigator II) to determine fire origin and cause and the detection and
apprehension of parties responsible for committing
arson, fire-related crimes, and insurance fraud.

General - 305,788 1.00 FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

BUDGET AND POSITION CHANGES* (continued)

Department Budget Summary

Division Budget Summary

Staffing Levels

Division Description Fund
Revenue/
Offset
Adjustme nt
Expenditure
Change
FTE
Change
Fire Prevention Increase funding for the addition of two fleet vehicles for Fire Prevention Officers. Costs will be offset by
the projected increase in the fire prevention revenues.

General (82,000) 82,000 - Fire Suppression Add a position (1.0 FTE Fire Captain Admin) in response to Assembly Bill 542 by early
intervention/prevention, thus creating a healthier
workforce.

General - 318,678 1.00 Various Increase revenues in the Fire Prevention, Operations, Special Operations and Emergency Medical Services
divisions to better align with actual revenues received in prior years.

General (4,186,112) - - Total Change: $ (7,013,313) $ 3,451,667 31.00 Change
Fire FY2020/21 FY2021/22 FY2022/23 FY2022/23 FY2023/24 More/(Less) Budget Summary Actuals Actuals Approved Amended Proposed Proposed/Amended Employee Services $153,145,653 $157,986,266 $153,249,453 $153,249,453 $171,238,640 $ 17,989,187 Other Services and Supplies 16,741,409 20,236,451 18,947,019 18,936,749 18,975,503 38,754 City Property 210,217 474,858 955,488 955,488 522,038 (433,450) Multi-Year Operating Projects - 70,943 885,000 - 1,664,500 1,664,500 Transfers 20,765 22,984 - - - -
Labor and Supply Offset (26,640,614) (48,167,385) (701,797) (701,797) (698,277) 3,520 Total $143,477,430 $130,624,118 $173,335,163 $172,439,893 $191,702,404 $ 19,262,511 Change
FY2020/21 FY2021/22 FY2022/23 FY2022/23 FY2023/24 More/(Less) Funding Summary by Fund/Special District Actuals Actuals Approved Amended Proposed Proposed/Amended General Fund $142,977,430 $122,209,256 $162,949,260 $162,053,990 $181,080,966 $ 19,026,976 Measure U - 7,914,862 9,885,903 9,885,903 10,121,438 235,535 Risk Mgmt 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000 -
Total $143,477,430 $130,624,118 $173,335,163 $172,439,893 $191,702,404 $ 19,262,511 Change
Fire FY2020/21 FY2021/22 FY2022/23 FY2022/23 FY2023/24 More/(L ess) Budget Summar y Actuals Actuals Approved Amended Proposed Proposed/Amended Office of the Fire Chief Division $ 649,929 $ 797,846 $ 816,728 $ 816,728 $ 870,283 $ 53,555 Fire Ops/EMS Division 117,725,794 101,549,261 137,728,622 137,718,352 153,360,721 15,642,369 Training/Professional Standards Divsion 2,535,010 5,183,153 8,648,087 8,538,087 9,171,757 633,670 Tech Services Division 21,088,546 21,719,024 24,217,533 23,442,533 26,351,911 2,909,378 Fire Administrative Services Division 1,478,150 1,374,834 1,924,193 1,924,193 1,947,732 23,539 Total $ 143,477,430 $130,624,118 $173,335,163 $172,439,893 $191,702,404 $ 19,262,511 Change
Fire FY2020/21 FY2021/22 FY2022/23 FY2022/23 FY2023/24 More/(Less) Budget Summary Actuals Actuals Approved Amended Proposed Proposed/Amended Office of the Fire Chief Division 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 - Fire Ops/EMS Division 616.00 614.00 615.00 615.00 644.00 29.00 Training/Professional Standards Divsion 28.50 35.50 45.50 45.50 45.50 - Tech Services Division 51.00 51.00 52.00 52.00 54.00 2.00 Fire Administrative Services Division 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.00 - Total 712.50 717.50 729.50 729.50 760.50 31.00
FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

MEASURE U

The following chart summarizes the Department’s Measure U programs.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Emergency Operations Division

The accepted national standard for response times is 5:00 minutes in an urban environment. Response time is defined by 4:00 minutes travel time plus 1:00 minute turnout time, which is the time from dispatch received until time leaving the station.

The acceptable standard measurement of ambul ance usage is UHU. UHU is the ratio of the number of hours spent delivering emergency medical services to the total number of hours the medic units are available. For example, a UHU of 0.50 indicates tha t a unit was utilized 50% of the total amount of time available throughout the year. A high UHU means lower availability for calls. Poor availability can negatively affect response times.

The ambulance industry has utilized the following general scale when evaluating overall UHU:

The Fire Department's goal over the next tw o years is to lower its ambulance UHU to an acceptable level while maximizing efficienc y and capturing lost revenue. This will be accomplished by revamping the current EMS deployment model. The department will also continue to work with its EMS partners in the surrounding area to develop a priority dispatch system that would distribute EMS ca lls according to the urgency and severity of the call, helping to further reduce UHU.

Fire Administration Division

The Division is responsible for performing fire plan review services. Over the last year, fire plan review services were on time at a rate of over 90%. Although this is an impressive statistic, the reality is that each customer expects their projects to be reviewed within our published turnaround times. Moreover, the department is working on implementing an expedited plan revi ew service (for customers willing to pay for a faster turnaround time).

Fire Prevention conducts annual permit inspection as mandated by local and state code. These inspections are estimated to increase over the next year due to the number of new buildings construc ted that will require annual fire permits. Due to a shift of pers onnel to work on development services inspections, the number of Annual Fire Permit Inspections conducted dropped.

Funding Category Program Name FTE
FY2023/24
Proposed
Public Safety - Fire
Operations Diversity/Outreach/Recruitment 18.00 3,752,481 Fire Suppression - 6,368,957
Grand Total 18.00 $ 10,121,438
FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Key Measure Actuals Actuals Actuals Estimate Target
Average Response Time
5 minutes 42
seconds
5 minutes 30
seconds
5 minutes 30
seconds
5 minutes 30
seconds
5 minutes 30
seconds
FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Key Measure Actuals Actuals Actuals E stimate Target
Unit Hour Utilization (UHU) 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.45 0.45 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Key Measure Actuals Actuals Actuals Estimate Target
Percent of fire plan review s completed on time 94% 95% 96.61% 95% 95% FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Key Measure Actuals Actuals Actuals Estimate Target
Development Services Fire Inspections conducted 9,967 9,800 9,550 9,500 9,500

FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

26 SECTION - 26
Staffing
FY2023/24 Proposed Budget

Fire
FY2022/23
Amended
FY2023/24
Proposed Change
Account Clerk II 3.00 3.00 -
Administrative Analyst 9.00 9.00 - Administrative Assistant 1.00 1.00 - Administrative Officer 1.00 1.00 - Administrative Technician 11.00 11.00 - Cache Logistics Coordinator 2.00 2.00 - Contract and Compliance Specialist 1.00 1.00 - Customer Service Representative 3.00 3.00 - Deputy Fire Chief 3.00 3.00 - Emergency Medical Service Trainee 10.00 10.00 - EMS Coordinator 2.00 2.00 -
Fire Assistant Chief 6.00 9.00 3.00 Fire Battalion Chief 12.00 12.00 - Fire Battalion Chief (Admin) 3.00 3.00 - Fire Captain 109.00 112.00 3.00
Fire Captain (Admin) 10.00 12.00 2.00 Fire Chief 1.00 1.00 -
Fire Engineer 105.00 105.00 -
Fire Engineer (Admin) 4.00 4.00 - Fire Investigator I 5.00 5.00 - Fire Investigator II 1.00 2.00 1.00 Fire Marshal 1.00 1.00 -
Fire Prevention Officer I 2.00 2.00 - Fire Prevention Officer II 14.00 14.00 - Fire Recruit 11.50 11.50 -
Fire Service Worker 3.00 3.00 - Firefighter 367.00 349.00 (18.00)
Firefighter (Admin) 3.00 3.00 - Investigator 1.00 1.00 -
Media and Communications Specialist 1.00 1.00 - Office Specialist 6.00 6.00 - Pick Up Driver 2.00 2.00 -
Program Specialist 1.00 1.00 - Program Supervisor 1.00 1.00 - Public Safety Administrative Manager 1.00 1.00 - Sacramento Fire EMT - 20.00 20.00 Sacramento Fire Paramedic - 20.00 20.00 Senior Accountant Auditor 1.00 1.00 - Senior Fire Prevention Officer 4.00 4.00 - Senior Staff Assistant 1.00 1.00 - Stores Administrator 1.00 1.00 - Stores Clerk I 1.00 1.00 -
Stores Clerk II 3.00 3.00 -
Supervising Fire Service Worker 1.00 1.00 - Support Services Manager 1.00 1.00 - Total 729.50 760.50 31.00

← All documents from this meeting