Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee Agenda
Memo to: Manteca Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee
From: Steve Islas, Fire Chief
Prepared by: Aimee Rubio, Executive Assistant
Date: April 23, 2026
Subject: Fire Department Update
title
Receive and file an update from the Manteca Fire Department
body
Background:
In 2025, the Manteca Fire Department responded to 11,582 calls for service. Station 2 remained the busiest in the City, handling 3,591 calls, or approximately 31 percent of total incident volume. This ongoing concentration of demand continues to highlight the need for expanded service capacity in that area.
In September, the department received notification of a $2.5 million award through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. This grant provides funding for nine additional firefighter positions over a three-year period and will support the deployment of a second apparatus at Station 2. The additional staffing will enhance response reliability within the City’s highest-demand service area and will remain in place until construction of Fire Station 6 in southwest Manteca is completed. The grant’s cost-sharing requirement will be met through Measure Q funding, ensuring the City can fully leverage the award without affecting other existing resources such as Measure M.
The department has also taken delivery of two new Type 1 fire engines, improving the overall condition of the fleet and enabling the retirement of several reserve units that had remained in extended service.
Several strategic initiatives continue to advance. The department is actively working toward transitioning from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS) delivery, which will significantly enhance pre-hospital emergency medical care. Additional efforts are underway to improve the City’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating through targeted investments in staffing, training, and infrastructure.
Planning for Fire Station 6 remains in progress as part of the City’s long-term growth strategy. Concurrently, the department is updating fire facility fees to more accurately reflect current development impacts and support future capital needs.
The department has also completed a comprehensive Standards of Coverage analysis, along with an updated Strategic Plan and Community Risk Assessment. These documents will guide future operational planning, resource allocation, and service delivery improvements.
Despite substantial progress, rising service demand continues to place pressure on available resources. Sustained investment will be essential to maintaining current service levels and ensuring effective emergency response.
The Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) remains a critical component of departmental operations. PSST funding currently supports 18 firefighter positions, equivalent to staffing two fire stations around the clock. This funding is vital in maintaining service capacity and meeting the community’s ongoing public safety needs.
The Manteca Fire Department appreciates the continued support of the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee and remains committed to providing high-quality emergency services to the residents of Manteca.
Fiscal Impact:
none
Documents Attached:
none