TO: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
FROM: M. D. Rueda, Fire Chief
Jennifer McGee, Management Analyst
DATE: March 5, 2026
SUBJECT: BUDGET SUBMISSION FOR FY 2026-27
FIRE DEPARTMENT
YEAR-END SUMMARY (FY 2025-26 BUDGET VS ESTIMATED)
The Department is anticipated to end the fiscal year at $177,385 or 2.1% above the current budget. The primary reasons are listed below:
Personnel budget is anticipated to exceed the budget by $186,731 due to overtime costs to provide position coverage for vacant positions during the year which have been now filled and 2 long-term injuries incurred while on duty.
Services and Supplies is expected to be under budget by $10,187 or -1.3% due to the following reasons. Due to a three-month vacancy in the Shared Command Division Chief position, Shared Command (cost center 103-34-4110-0000) is anticipated to have a cost savings of $49,597.
FY 2025-26 FY 2025-26 Bud. Vs Est.
Bud. Vs
Est.
Description Budget Estimated Diff $$ Diff %%
Personnel 5,999,488 $ 6,186,219 $ 186,731 $ 3.1%
Services & Supplies 809,645 800,298 (9,347) -1.2%
Total: 6,809,133 $ 6,986,518 $ 177,385 $ 2.6%
FY 2026-27 PROPOSED BUDGET
Personnel
The Department’s Full Time Equivalent (FTE) will remain at 21.00 FTE, unchanged from the current budget.
Personnel proposed budget for FY 2025-26 is $7,949,593 which represents a $465,425 or 6.2% increase from current budget.
Employees’ salaries are increasing by 4.0% due to Memorandums of Understanding between the City and its employees.
Unfunded accrued liability has increased by $130,221 or 8.8%.
Services & Supplies
Services & Supplies proposed budget for FY 2026-27 is $851,115, which represents a $41,470 or 5.1% increase from the current budget. The primary changes to the budget are due to the following:
An increase of $23,010 to cost center #103-34-4500-9025 (Utilities-Telecommunications) for increased costs of 911 landline phone services.
An increase of $18,000 to cost center #103-34-4150-0000 (Contract Services) for Public Provider Ground Emergency Medical Transport (PP-GEMT) fees to the Department of Health Care Services for Medi-Cal reimbursement administration. All payments into the PP-GEMT program are matched by reimbursement revenue at nearly double the amount of the City’s contribution.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Department Narrative (Purpose, Description, FY 2025-26 Accomplishments, FY 2026-27 Objectives, Operational Dashboard)
B. Department Organizational Chart
C. Department Tie-Out Sheets
FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 YOY Budget
YOY
Budget
Description Budget Proposed Diff $$ Diff %%
Personnel 5,999,488 $ 6,334,692 $ 335,204 5.6%
Services & Supplies 809,645 864,315 54,670 6.8%
Total: 6,809,133 $ 7,199,007 $ 389,874 $ 5.7%
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
The mission of the San Marino Fire Department is to save lives and property, and ensure the safety of our community.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Fire Department’s primary purpose is to provide lifesaving emergency response for fire suppression and emergency medical services for residents of the City. Equally important, however, are its responsibilities in the areas of fire prevention, life safety inspections, community education and emergency preparedness.
The delivery of life saving paramedic services is an integral part of the Fire Department mission.
All of the San Marino firefighters are licensed Paramedics trained to the highest level provided within the County of Los Angeles. Only about ten percent of the cities in Los Angeles County employ paramedics with the extensive training and experience required to provide advanced life support using standing field treatment protocols.
Other services include:
Annual inspections of commercial property and school occupancy; Review of commercial and large residential building plans for adequacy of fire detection and suppression systems;
Pre-incident exercises and training with allied agencies, and others related to high-risk or high-value areas of the City, such as the High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens; Participation in public education in schools, neighborhoods, community groups and service clubs to stress fire safety, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency preparedness;
In conjunction with the South Pasadena Fire Department, share fire command Chief Officers for the two fire departments. By sharing resources, the fire departments can provide an enhanced service at a lower cost;
In conjunction with MySafe California, a non-profit safety organization, the San Marino Fire Department conducts fire safety programs and neighborhood canvassing after fires in our City; and
Emergency Management responsibilities for the City.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Conducted annual inspections of all commercial properties and residential properties within the City’s High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Published an Annual San Marino Fire Department Report. Conducted several post fire neighborhood canvassing events offering educational materials, fire inspections, and smoke alarm installation. Conducted “Operation Fire Safe” inspections and installed smoke alarms for residents. Conducted four Fire Department Life Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Live Fire instructional workshops for residents.
Conducted promotional testing for the position of Battalion Chief and developed an eligibility list of three San Marino and South Pasadena Fire Department employees.
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OBJECTIVES
Begin the purchasing process for the replacement of Engine 791. Conduct Life Safety, Emergency Preparedness and Live Fire in-service workshops for San Marino Unified School District teachers and staff.
Host a Fire Department Community and Council Day at the Alhambra Training Tower. Conduct four Fire Department Life Safety, Emergency Preparedness, and Live Fire Instructional Workshops for residents.
Partner with the Community Services Department to host a joint Easter Egg Hunt/Pancake Breakfast event in Lacy Park.
Conduct annual inspections of all commercial properties and residential properties within the City’s High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Publish an Annual San Marino Fire Department Report.
Conduct “Operation Fire Safe” inspections and install smoke alarms for residents. Host fire safety and disaster preparedness educational seminars for schools, neighborhood watch groups, service clubs, and youth groups.
OPERATIONAL DASHBOARD
Description FY 2024-25
Total
FY 2024-25
Year to Date
(July – February)
FY 2025-26
Year to Date
(July – February)
# of total responses 2,075 1,401 1,381
Responses in City 1,080 726 727
Responses out of City 995 675 654
90th percentile EMS
turnout time 0:01:15 0:01:04 0:01:08
90th percentile Fire
turnout time 0:01:40 0:01:19 0:01:17
90th percentile overall
response time 0:05:59 0:06:00 0:06:16
Total cardiac arrest
incidents 14 11 8
Cardiac arrest return of
spontaneous
circulation
2 1 0
Fire Chief
A Shift
Division
Chief (1)
Fire Captain
Fire
Engineer
Firefighter /
Paramedics
B Shift
Division
Chief (1)
Fire Captain
Fire
Engineer
Firefighter /
Paramedics
C Shift
Division
Chief (1)
Fire Captain
Fire
Engineer
Firefighter /
Paramedics
Management
Analyst
Fire Department
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
Full-Time
San Marino Fire Chief 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
San Marino Fire Division Chief 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Fire Captains 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Firefighter/Paramedic 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00
Engineer 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Management Analyst 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total Full-Time FTE 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00
Total Part-Time FTE - - - - -
Department Total FTE 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00
Expenditures by Type:
Personnel 6,865,704 6,199,480 5,999,488 6,186,219 6,334,692 Unfunded Accrued Liability - 1,321,780 1,484,680 1,484,680 1,614,901 Services & Supplies 607,477 996,300 809,645 800,298 864,315 Total by Type 7,473,181 $ 8,517,561 $ 8,293,813 $ 8,471,198 $ 8,813,908 $ Expenditures by Fund:
Public Safety Fund 7,147,157 103 7,831,836 7,889,857 8,033,010 8,401,714 4th of July Fund 3,379 104 2,134 2,638 2,638 2,744
Donations Fund - 281 15,807 - - 4,100
Workers Compensation Fund 322,645 595 667,783 401,318 435,550 405,350 Total by Fund 7,473,181 $ 8,517,561 $ 8,293,813 $ 8,471,198 $ 8,813,908 $ GL # Personnel
103-34-4001-0000 Full Time Salaries 2,568,599 2,909,987 3,242,557 3,106,451 3,388,466 103-34-4001-0019 Full Time Salaries-COVID-19 - -
103-34-4004-0000 Overtime 1,114,705 900,938 750,000 870,000 915,000 103-34-4004-0003 Overtime-Strike Teams - 22,698 75,000 75,000 30,000 103-34-4004-0019 Overtime-COVID-19 - -
103-34-4004-0033 Overtime-Shared Command 148,287 179,718 166,400 166,400 156,000 103-34-4006-0000 Medicare 51,443 53,091 59,201 59,201 62,907 103-34-4008-6160 Retirement-PERS 1,772,848 669,008 706,432 706,432 722,426 103-34-4008-6161 Retirement-PERS (UAL) - 1,321,780 1,484,680 1,484,680 1,614,901 103-34-4008-3080 Retirement 457 Plan 1,300 1,214 1,200 1,200 1,200 103-34-4010-0000 Cafeteria Benefit 495,901 555,366 590,742 594,157 646,599 103-34-4013-0000 Uniform Allowance 4,000 3,800 4,000 4,000 4,000 103-34-4015-0000 Worker's Comp 4850 Pay 382,597 233,743 165,190 104-34-4004-0000 Fire Overtime (4th of July) 3,331 2,104 2,600 2,600 2,704 104-34-4006-0000 Medicare 48 31 38 38 40
104-34-4010-0000 Cafeteria Benefit - -
595-34-4015-0001 Workers' Comp Current Employees 314,930 431,034 377,868 432,550 392,850 595-34-4015-0002 Workers' Comp Past Employees 7,715 236,750 23,450 3,000 12,500
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-26
Operating Budget Summary
Operating Budget Detail
Authorized Positions (Full-Time Equivalents)
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-26
Total Personnel 6,865,704 $ 7,521,260 $ 7,484,168 $ 7,670,899 $ 7,949,593 $ GL # Services & Supplies
103-34-4110-0000 Shared Command - 278,054 178,000 128,403 178,000 103-34-4150-0000 Other Contract Services 257,783 279,112 272,500 270,728 291,520 103-34-4150-0500 Other Contract Services-IT 18,394 19,597 22,610 23,046 23,260 103-34-4204-0000 Books & Periodicals 372 506 400 429 400 103-34-4206-0000 Building Repair & Maintenance 22,732 13,256 19,400 21,011 20,400 103-34-4308-0000 Equipment Rental - 58 200 - 200
103-34-4316-0000 Equipment Repair & Maintenance 14,631 16,096 16,650 19,732 18,235 103-34-4376-0000 Materials & Supplies 59,452 76,734 85,150 75,702 77,070 281-34-4376-0000 Materials & Supplies - 15,807 4,100
103-34-4396-0000 Memberships & Dues 4,014 4,354 5,230 5,729 5,860 103-34-4398-0000 Mileage - - 100 25 100
103-34-4399-0000 Non-capitalized Equipment 13,755 7,686 6,500 6,459 12,000 281-34-4399-0000 Non-capitalized Equipment - - - - -
103-34-4401-0000 Outside Services 7,680 19,140 3,000 21,780 16,200 103-34-4420-0000 Printing 430 - 500 500 500
103-34-4436-0000 Recruitment 45,807 42,060 15,345 35,462 15,350 103-34-4452-0000 Small Tools 390 415 500 - 500
103-34-4460-0003 Special Exp.Strike Team FEMP - 1,840 12,000 2,623 12,000 103-34-4468-0000 Staff Development 13,984 14,152 10,960 9,208 10,960 103-34-4480-0000 Travel & Meetings 3,577 4,551 4,850 4,842 5,000 103-34-4492-0003 Uniforms-PERSable 8,157 7,304 7,400 7,400 7,400 103-34-4492-0004 Uniforms-Safety 20,243 29,438 23,000 25,503 15,200 103-34-4500-4950 Utilities-Natural Gas 4,405 5,303 5,100 4,997 5,200 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
FIRE DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-26
103-34-4500-9025 Utilities-Telecommunications 28,998 34,611 33,150 46,255 56,160 103-34-4508-0000 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance 82,673 126,225 87,100 90,464 88,700 103-34-4950-0001 Equipment Cost Allocation - - - -
Total Services & Supplies 607,477 $ 996,300 $ 809,645 $ 800,298 $ 864,315 $ Total Operating Expenditures 7,473,181 $ 8,517,561 $ 8,293,813 $ 8,471,198 $ 8,813,908 $ TO: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
FROM: M. D. Rueda, Fire Chief
Jennifer McGee, Management Analyst
DATE: March 5, 2026
SUBJECT: BUDGET SUBMISSION FOR FY 2026-27
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
YEAR-END SUMMARY (FY 2025-26 BUDGET VS ESTIMATED)
The Department is anticipated to end the fiscal year with at $59,447 or 55.6% above the current budget.
The primary reasons are listed below:
Services and Supplies is expected to exceed the budget by $25,000 in Donation-Other Contract Services (cost center 281-36-4150-0500) due to a donation received from California American Water.
FY 2025-26 FY 2025-26
Bud. Vs
Est.
Bud. Vs
Est.
Description Budget Estimated Diff $$ Diff %%
Services & Supplies 38,200 59,447 21,247 55.6%
Total: 38,200 $ 59,447 $ 21,247 $ 55.6%
2 FY 2026-27 PROPOSED BUDGET
Services & Supplies
Services & Supplies proposed budget for FY 2026-27 is $44,850, which represents a $6,650 or 17.4% increase from the current budget. The primary reasons for the increase are due to the following:
An increase of $6,500 to cost center #101-36-4376-0000 (Materials & Supplies) for emergency supply cache supplies and CERT program materials. Replenishment of the City’s emergency supply cache was deferred for one year due to budget reductions in FY 2025-26. The department has also received increased interest in Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) membership following a workshop hosted by the department in the Fall of 2025. The increase of $6,500 restores the account to its previously established funding level. An increase of $3,750 to cost center #101-36-4399-0000 (Non-capitalized Equipment) for Emergency Operations Center equipment and furnishings. This increase restores the account to its previously established funding level, following a one-time budget reduction in FY 2025-26. The account supports the repair and replacement of furniture and equipment, and will also be used to complete the upgrade electrical equipment and circuits as a result of a connection to the emergency power circuit.
A decrease of $2,500 to cost center #101-36-4150-0500 (Other Contract Services-IT) for emergency alert management software.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Department Narrative (Purpose, Description, FY 2025-26 Accomplishments, FY 2026-27 Objectives, Operational Dashboard)
B. Department Tie-Out Sheets
FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27
YOY
Budget
YOY
Budget
Description Budget Proposed Diff $$ Diff %%
Services & Supplies 38,200 44,850 6,650 17.4%
Total: 38,200 $ 44,850 $ 6,650 $ 17.4%
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
The Emergency Management Program develops and maintains the City’s emergency management program and disaster plans to respond to and coordinate the resources necessary to cope with local emergencies affecting San Marino. Emergency preparedness is a key component of the community’s readiness for a major emergency.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Department is responsible for training and educating the City Council members, City staff, businesses and residents to be self-sufficient in the event of a major disaster. Department responsibilities include:
Ensure City Council members and key staff participate in at least one disaster exercise each year to test the City’s and County’s ability to manage and respond to a large-scale event.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) also participates in periodic communications exercises intended to test the capabilities of the County’s emergency management information systems;
Coordinate Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Medical Services training for employees and residents;
Maintain the City’s Emergency Operations Center;
Maintain the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, and the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan; Maintain the City’s disaster supplies; and
Maintain the City’s emergency notification systems, which includes the San Marino Community Alert Message System (SMCAMS) to notify residents and businesses about urgent information related to the safety of our community. Emergency information can be sent to a telephone or email address. The Emergency Management program also maintains the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system, which has the ability to send emergency alerts directly to mobile devices in the event of an emergency.
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hosted a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) workshop for members of the City Council, Public Safety Commission, executive staff, and Neighborhood Watch block captains.
Hosted an active shooter symposium for houses of worship within the City. Transitioned to a new emergency alert management software for Wireless Emergency Alerts and community alerting.
Conducted an emergency operations earthquake workshop with the City’s executive staff and representatives from the San Marino Unified School District. Conducted training on the City’s Earthquake Emergency Plan for all Department Executives.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Hosted a Town Hall on Infrastructure and Earthquake Preparedness with Dr. Lucy Jones and representatives from the City’s utility companies.
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OBJECTIVES
Inventory the City’s Disaster Cache to meet Red Cross supply recommendations. Renovate the Emergency Operations Center to improve functional performance during an emergency event.
Implement and advertise the City’s new alerting software and Smart911 platform. Update the Emergency Operations Plan’s Alert and Warning and Public Information Annex. Complete and submit for approval the Mass Shooting Annex. Conduct bi-annual CERT workshops.
Conduct earthquake and active shooter incident training exercises for all City personnel. Partner with the City Manager’s Office to conduct outreach and education for the City’s Genasys evacuation zones.
Work in collaboration with the Huntington Library to continue to develop their emergency operations center procedures.
OPERATIONAL DASHBOARD
Description
FY 2024-25
Total
FY 2024-25
Year to Date
(July – February)
FY 2025-26
Year to Date
(July – February)
EOC Activations 1 1 0
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
Expenditures by Type:
Personnel - - - - -
Services & Supplies 57,093 53,815 38,200 59,447 44,850
Total by Type 57,093 $ 53,815 $ 38,200 $ 59,447 $ 44,850 $ Expenditures by Fund:
General Fund 57,093 101 53,815 38,200 59,447 44,850
Donations Fund 281
Total by Fund 57,093 $ 53,815 $ 38,200 $ 59,447 $ 44,850 $ GL # Services & Supplies
101-36-4150-0000 Other Contract Services 20,324 11,112 - - - 101-36-4150-0500 Other Contract Services-IT 6,388 6,899 7,000 4,500 4,500 101-36-4316-0000 Equipment Repair & Maintenance 8,781 8,769 8,400 8,754 8,400 101-36-4376-0000 Materials & Supplies 8,419 9,959 6,500 6,447 13,000 101-36-4396-0000 Memberships & Dues 435 - 300 - -
101-36-4399-0000 Non-capitalized Equipment 1,333 7,500.00 3,500 3,750 7,500 101-36-4468-0000 Staff Development 2,419 - 1,850 2,040 1,850 101-36-4500-9025 Utilities-Telecommunications 8,994 9,576 10,400 9,208 9,600 281-36-4150-0000 Other Contract Services - - - 25,000 - Total Services & Supplies 57,093 $ 53,815 $ 38,200 $ 59,447 $ 44,850 $ Total Operating Expenditures 57,093 $ 53,815 $ 38,200 $ 59,447 $ 44,850 $ FY 2025-26
Operating Budget Summary
Operating Budget Detail
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT