COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bradley J. Dandridge, Fire Chief
DATE: September 15, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving a Donation of Funding and Budget Amendment for Personal Protective Equipment
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the receipt of a monetary donation from Amazon for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment to enhance safety of Santa Maria Fire Department personnel.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution approving a $150,000 donation from Amazon to the Santa Maria Fire Department and a budget amendment for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment.
BACKGROUND:
Amazon.com, Incorporated is an American multinational technology comp any engaged in e-commerce, cloud computing, online advertising, digital streaming, entertainment, and artificial intelligence. Amazon donated funds for the Santa Maria Fire Department to purchase new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), specifically turnou ts, for its personnel.
Government Code Section 37354 provides that the City Council may accept any gift, bequest, or devise made to or for the City, or to or for any of its offices in their official capacity, or in trust for any public purpose. City Administration Memo CAM 2017-01 sets forth procedures for reviewing, accepting, and acknowledging gifts and/or donations offered to the City in order to: 1) establish compliance with the law in a consistent manner regardless of the source of the donation; 2) es tablish uniform procedures for the receipt of donations to the City; 3) cultivate an environment where residents and businesses want to contribute to the City’s programs and facilities; 4) promptly acknowledge and express appreciation for donations; and 5) assure donations are properly inventoried and accounted for.
2 DISCUSSION:
The donation of funding to purchase the PPE will significantly benefit departmental personnel and the community. The new PPE will be Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) free.
Firefighting is inherently dangerous , and the City is committed to protecting the health and safety of our members. Our personnel should have access to the safest turnout gear available. PFAS -free gear allows our firefighters to remain healthy and serve our community at the highest levels.
Recent studies have shown that all three layers of fire fighter turnout gear contain Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a class of fluorinated chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” linked to cancer and other serious health effects. These studies highlight the risks associated with the materials and finishes used in turnout gear even before it is exposed to its first fire.
Fiscal Considerations
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund associated with this donation. The total cost of the Personal Protective Equipment will be fully funded by this donation. The $150,000 donation appropriation will be deposited to Fund 100, Cost Center 0920, Revenue Category 8403 (Donations – Other).
To reflect spending this donation, the Fire Department is requesting that its budget’s appropriation level be increased by $150,000. The appropriation should be placed in Fund 100, Cost Center 0920, Spend Category 2080 (Personal Protective Equipment)
Impact on the Community
This donation highlights the vital role the Santa Maria Fire Department plays in the community, as recognized by Amazon. The donation will significantly enhance the safety of both the firefighters and the community.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution