DATE: JUNE 16, 2026
DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT
FROM: SAMUEL KLEMEK, FIRE CHIEF
TITLE: AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT FY 2025 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT REGIONAL APPLICATION FOR SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBAs) RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Salinas Fire Department to submit or participate in a FY 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Regional application for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) with Monterey County partner agencies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Fire Department seeks authorization to submit or participate in a FEMA AFG Regional application with Monterey County partner agencies to replace self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Quotes are still being finalized; therefore, staff recommend authorization to apply up to the applicable AFG Regional maximum award, anticipated at up to $2,000,000 in federal funds for the combined service area, plus the required local match of 10%. SCBA replacement is a high-cost, critical life-safety need and any excess cost over the grant award, in addition to the cost share, would need to be prioritized in the following budget cycle.
BACKGROUND:
The FY 2025 AFG Program supports equipment purchases that equip emergency personnel to recognized standards, improve firefighter safety, increase operational efficiency, foster interoperability, and strengthen community resilience. Regional applications are specifically intended to address common needs across multiple jurisdictions where a regional solution improves standardization and mutual aid operations. SCBA are essential respiratory protection devices used by firefighters during interior structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle fires, confined space emergencies, and other immediately dangerous to life and health environments. The department’s SCBA is expiring in two years, creating an urgent need for replacement to maintain compliance, firefighter safety, and operational readiness. Replacement costs are significant, making a regional grant application the most fiscally responsible path to address this critical equipment need. Without grant funding, the Department and its partners may be forced to defer or stagger replacements, increasing maintenance issues, incompatibility, firefighter safety risk, and operational disruptions when expired equipment must be removed from service.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action supports the City Council strategic goals of public safety.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Fire Department will coordinate with the City Manager’s Office, Finance Department, City Attorney’s Office, and Purchasing staff as applicable.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Approval of the resolution authorizes submission of the grant application and identifies the anticipated local cost share or future fiscal obligation. If awarded, staff will return to the City Council as necessary to accept the award, request approval to appropriate revenues and expenditures, and authorize the required local match.
Example:
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Notice of Funding Opportunity
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