Sacramento City Council Approves $160K Fire Extinguisher Service Agreements

During the City of Modesto Council Meeting held on August 12, 2025, the council approved agreements for fire extinguisher inspection, testing, and maintenance services, marking a significant step in ensuring public safety across city facilities and vehicles. The agreements, awarded to Fire Code Safety Equipment and National Fire Systems, both based in Sacramento, will total a maximum of $160,269 over five years.

Patrick Crowley, the Senior Public Works Manager, presented the item, highlighting that the city maintains approximately 1,100 fire extinguishers across its buildings and vehicles. The bidding process for these services was notably challenging; after an initial call for bids in 2024 yielded no responses, a second round in November saw 304 companies notified, yet only two non-local firms submitted bids.

The council's decision to select both a primary and a secondary contractor aims to ensure timely service and maintenance, with the primary contractor estimated to cost $20,000 annually and the secondary $10,000. This dual approach is intended to mitigate risks associated with service delays.

However, the meeting also revealed underlying tensions regarding the procurement process. A council member raised concerns about the lack of local bids and questioned the consistency of the city’s purchasing policies. They argued that local businesses should be prioritized, especially for smaller contracts, to foster community engagement and support local economies. The discussion highlighted a perceived inconsistency in how the city approaches procurement for different types of commodities, suggesting a need for clearer guidelines and outreach efforts to local vendors.

In response, city officials reiterated their commitment to following established purchasing ordinances and emphasized the outreach efforts made to local businesses. They acknowledged the challenges faced by local firms in competing for bids, particularly when costs associated with the bidding process are prohibitive.

The council ultimately voted unanimously in favor of the agreements, reflecting a commitment to maintaining safety standards while also recognizing the ongoing dialogue about supporting local businesses in future procurement processes. As the city moves forward, the implications of this meeting may prompt further discussions on how to balance efficiency in procurement with the goal of fostering local economic growth.