COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bradley J. Dandridge, Fire Chief
DATE: June 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving an Agreement with Santa Barbara Public Airport District for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Services
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving an agreement for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services between the City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Public Airport District.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with the Santa Maria Public Airport District for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF ) services, contingent upon approval by the Airport District’s Board; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement and to take all steps necessary to implement and sustain the program.
BACKGROUND:
On April 2, 2026, the Santa Maria Public Airport District (“District”) issued a Request for Proposal for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services. The City of Santa Maria submitted a proposal on May 4, 2026, meeting the deadline. The District selected the City’s proposal, allowing the City to continue providing ARFF services at the Airport.
The City of Santa Maria provided ARFF services to the Airport for over fifteen years under the current contract, which expires on June 30, 2026. During the term of the previous agreement, the parties worked effectively to form a relationship that was mutually beneficial. The City conducted a number of facility fire inspections in commercial and public buildings on District property and had been able to enhance the aircraft -related emergency training throughout the Fire Department.
DISCUSSION:
The new agreement allows the City to continue to provide ARFF services to the District that meet the needs of both parties.
The a greement outlines the City’s and the District’s responsibilities, annual costs, insurance requirements, and termination provisions. Some highlights of the new contract include:
2 CPI of 2% for salaries and operational costs
The elimination of the administrative expense for the first three years.
The agreement will be placed on the Santa Maria Public Airport District’s July agenda for approval.
Fiscal Considerations
The term of the agreement will have a positive impact on the Fire Department’s operating budget. The agreement is for a three -year term with a two -year automatic renewal and provides reimbursement for an average salary cost and actual operational costs for the first three years, with an administrative expense being added in for the two-year automatic renewal.
The current agreement provides three full-time positions (FTE) to serve the District at an annual cost of $996,850. The cost to the District for services rendered by the City is based upon a predetermined formula developed to identify operational costs. The agreed upon formula is as follows for the first three years:
Personnel Expense (including benefits)+Operating Expense = Cost to the Airport
Should the Airport agree to the two-year extension the new formula would be:
Personnel Expense (including benefits)+Operating Expense + Administrative Expense = Cost to the Airport
The cost for City -provided services is based on minimum service levels desired by the District and on the expectation that identified staffing levels are for the personnel assigned to the District. The City may provide additional staff for other business-related purposes.
Additionally, the District also agrees to pay all costs associated with training a designated number of City personnel to the ARFF Specialist level.
Impact on the Community
Maintains the effective emergency response to District Property.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Agreement