Selma staff outline ambulance, fire‑fleet and police technology needs as council weighs public‑safety funding

Public safety dominated budget conversations at Selma's April 2 workshop as department heads outlined staffing, fleet and technology requests.

Fire Chief Webster said the ambulance division ran just over 6,100 incidents last year and recommended expanding the fourth ambulance to full 24/7 service to reduce dropped calls. He described fleet‑replacement planning that includes routine ambulance turnover (one per year, with a two‑ambulance replacement every third year) and noted a new fire engine in the $1.2 million range plus $250,000–$350,000 in equipment costs. Chief Webster said one ambulance ordered for the current fiscal year is due in June, with additional units scheduled for the coming fiscal year.

Chief Webster and Deputy City Manager Fowlard said expanding 24/7 ambulance capacity could increase transport revenues and improve cost recovery through federal/state reimbursement programs, but they also cautioned about staffing and overtime structures for EMS and safety personnel.

Police Chief Alcarez proposed a drone flight‑response program to provide rapid situational awareness and improve officer safety, citing programs in Fresno and Clovis. The chief said the proposed drone capability would deploy from the police department and be operated centrally, rather than relying solely on on‑scene operators. Some council members and members of the public expressed skepticism about drones and urged investment in additional sworn officers and patrol presence instead.

No formal funding decisions were taken at the workshop; staff said ambulance delivery and fleet timing are already in motion for existing orders, and the council asked staff to include public‑safety requests and revenue forecasts in the draft budget for detailed consideration.