In a recent government meeting, the Atlanta City Council reviewed a performance audit report on the Fire Fleet maintenance, highlighting significant concerns regarding the operational readiness and management of the city's fire vehicles. The audit, presented by Brandi Bell from the audit committee, was prompted by city council concerns and identified public safety and deferred maintenance as critical risk areas.

The audit revealed that the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department currently operates a fleet of 67 fire engines and ladder trucks, with a median age exceeding eight years. Alarmingly, 22% of these vehicles have been in service for over 20 years, and many are overdue for replacement. The report indicated that the city lacks a comprehensive fleet replacement strategy, leading to a reliance on aging vehicles that often suffer from mechanical issues.

Financial constraints have hampered the acquisition of new fire apparatus, with the city only able to purchase 30 of the 58 engines and ladder trucks approved for acquisition due to insufficient funding. The audit noted that the city has proposed a budget of $23.7 million for fiscal year 2025 to address these needs, but the current financing source, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) program, is set to expire in June 2028, raising concerns about future funding.

The audit also highlighted operational deficiencies, including inadequate preventive maintenance practices, with 18% of fire apparatus not receiving necessary maintenance for over a year. Additionally, the report pointed out that the fire department has circumvented controls intended to manage fuel access for vehicles overdue for maintenance, further complicating the situation.

In response to the findings, the audit committee made ten recommendations aimed at improving fleet management and maintenance practices. These include establishing a fleet replacement plan, ensuring compliance with maintenance protocols, and enhancing inventory management processes. While the Public Works Commissioner agreed to all recommendations, the Fire Chief partially agreed to one, citing extreme circumstances that necessitated bypassing established procurement procedures.

Council members expressed concern over the troubling nature of the audit and emphasized the need for immediate action to rectify the identified issues. The meeting concluded with a commitment to implement the recommendations and improve the operational capacity of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, ensuring that the city's firefighters are equipped with reliable and safe vehicles to serve the community effectively.