Executive Summary
The Ways and Means Committee met on March 23, 2026, to consider an order to appropriate $780,000 from the general fund budgetary fund balance for the purchase of a new fire suppression apparatus. The committee heard testimony from Deputy Fire Chief Sabato LaRusso regarding the replacement of an aging 2010 Pierce Arrow engine and from CFO Omar Wakili regarding the fiscal strategy of using unallocated funds for the acquisition. The committee voted to recommend favorable action on the appropriation, referring the matter to the full City Council.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Ways and Means Committee
- Meeting Type: Committee Meeting
- Date: March 23, 2026
- Attendees:
- Councilor Stephanie Smith (President)
- Councilor Katy Rogers
- Councilor Peter Pietrantonio
- Sabato LaRusso (Deputy Fire Chief)
- Omar Wakili (Chief Financial Officer)
Order to Appropriate $780,000 for Fire Suppression Apparatus
The committee reviewed an order sponsored by President Stephanie Smith to appropriate $780,000 from the general fund budgetary fund balance to fund the purchase of a fire suppression apparatus.
Departmental Testimony:
- Deputy Chief Sabato LaRusso testified that the purchase will replace the current Engine 3, a 2010 Pierce Arrow stationed at the Ferry Street Station.
- The specific purchase price for the apparatus is $778,536.
- By opting for this specific unit rather than a custom-built Pierce manufacturer order, the city will reduce the lead time from approximately 2.5–3 years down to 150–180 days.
- The department currently maintains four fire engines: three in active service and one spare.
Financial Discussion:
- CFO Omar Wakili explained the decision to utilize "free cash" (unallocated funds) rather than the capital stabilization fund to ensure a quick transaction and preserve reserves.
- Mr. Wakili stated: "It's unallocated funds... we call them free cash because we can use them multiple ways... this item is the cost is high enough it's a one-time purchase. It qualifies to use free cash."
- The current balance of the free cash account is estimated to be between $2.5 million and $3 million.
- Councilor Pietrantonio expressed a preference for maintaining balanced reserves and utilizing capital stabilization or borrowing when interest rates are favorable, rather than relying solely on free cash for one-time purchases.
Official Action:
- Motion: Motion for favorable action to be referred to the City Council.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously (Ayes have it).
Adjournment
- Action: Motion to adjourn was made and seconded.
- Vote Outcome: Passed unanimously (Ayes have it).