Iberia Parish Fire District No.1 outlines equipment, vehicle and insurance savings in 2026 budget

Guy Bonnet, fire chief for Iberia Parish Fire District No. 1, presented the district’s 2026 budget to the finance committee on Oct. 13, saying the fund structure remains the same while several capital purchases are planned. Bonnet told councilors the district is budgeting for a new pickup truck for a deputy chief and for piston intake valves for engines, which he said cost about $20,000 and would cover two to three valves.

Bonnet described equipment upgrades that would affect rescue operations, including replacement airbags and a new set of hydraulic rescue tools (often called "Jaws of Life"), specifying a model compatible with current apparatus. He also listed routine capital needs such as hose replacement after annual testing, new nozzles and carbide-tipped saw blades used for forcible entry, and a commercial mower for the training center’s 3½ acres.

On insurance, Bonnet said the district moved to a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan and that finance staff "jumped through hoops" to implement the change; he said coverage improved while projected employer costs declined, and thanked the finance department by name for facilitating the switch. Bonnet emphasized that better equipment reduces on-scene time and wear on personnel and apparatus.

Committee members asked routine follow-ups about timing and usage of capital funds and about continuity of vehicle replacements; Bonnet said the capital plan is conservative and that damaged or aged equipment had driven specific requests. No formal vote or amendment was taken; the presentation was informational and budget materials will be distributed before the council meeting.