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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Mike Kaufman, Assistant Fire Chief
DATE: June 10, 2025
SUBJECT:
Requesting authorization for the use of funds not to exceed $455,000 to complete FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) purchases for new fire stations 9 and 13.
PURPOSE:
The funding will be used to furnish new fire stations 9 and 13 with all furniture, fixtures, essential equipment, and other materials to ensure the operational readiness and comfort of fire personnel.
BACKGROUND:
New fire station 13 is scheduled to open in December 2025, and fire station 9 to open in February 2026. Certain furniture, fixtures, and equipment for these stations have a long lead time per our vendors and orders need to be placed soon to guarantee delivery times and pricing.
DISCUSSION:
Having a well-equipped fire station allows firefighters to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies. Modern furnishings and updated equipment contribute to safer, healthier, working conditions for firefighters, reducing fatigue and improving morale, which directly impacts performance in high-stress situations. Having a new, well-furnished fire station shows commitment to community well-being and symbolizes the priority to public safety of residents and visitors of Aurora.
Funds of $455,000 have been included in the project budgets for FS 9 and FS 13 for FFE (furniture, fixtures, and expenses) costs. These amounts were presented to the council during the spring as a component of the comprehensive fire station cost discussions. $290,000 has been budgeted for FS 13 and $165,000 for FS 9. The amounts have been incorporated into the total costs for each station as discussed earlier this spring. The difference in funding allocation occurs because FS 13 is a brand-new response station for the Fire Department, and FS 9 is a relocation of a current station. The Fire Department will be moving functional items from the current FS 9 to new FS 9.
Staff has worked diligently to produce an accurate estimation of the dollars needed to furnish and equip these stations. Although these figures are estimates based on current quotes and shipping prices that are constantly changing, we are confident these dollar amounts will sufficiently furnish both stations.
The Fire Department will work closely with the Purchasing Department to ensure that all purchases related to the furnishing of the new fire stations are made in full compliance with the City’s procurement policies. The Fire Department will adhere to all established guidelines to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility during the purchasing process.
The process of arriving at the requested budgeted amount has been a work in progress over the past few months. The Fire Department formed a committee of six individuals and a member of Purchasing who made visits to IFB (Interiors for Business) in Batavia and TFC (The Fitness Connection) in Elgin, to address the needs of our stations. Both companies are part of buying cooperatives. The largest station purchases will be from these two vendors. Quotes have been provided, and orders are ready to be placed once the funds are approved.
The remaining station items have been brainstormed by the team and added to a working Excel document. As we’ve added items, we’ve estimated approximate prices and shipping on items, keeping in mind that these prices are constantly rising due to uncontrollable factors. We also recognize that it’s a challenging task to anticipate everything we’ll need before moving into a new facility, so we will have reserves incorporated into the funding allocations for each station to cover such costs. The $455,000 is an estimate that includes all our anticipated FF&E needs and reserves.
The money for this expenditure will come from general obligation bond funding as approved earlier this spring. These funds are included in the 2025 C General Obligation Bond Issue approved previously. Funds will be available in account 358-3033-422-72-35 under project code CO13 for station 9 and CO12 for station 13.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The funding to fully furnish the newly constructed fire stations will ensure they are operational, safe, and ready to serve the public from the day they are open. The requested funds will provide essential items such as furniture, equipment, and living quarters necessities required for 24/7 emergency response. The investment of these funds ensures the new fire stations fulfill their purpose of protecting lives, property, and the long-term safety of Aurora.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I respectfully request that the council authorize funds not exceeding $455,000 to be used for the procurement of FF&E for new fire stations 9 and 13 within the procurement guidelines of the City of Aurora.
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the use of funds not to exceed $455,000 for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) for new fire stations 9 and 13.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the Aurora Fire Department is constructing new fire stations 9 and 13, with scheduled completion dates of 12/25 and 2/26.
WHEREAS, the construction of these fire stations is part of a long-term strategic plan to improve emergency response times, expand coverage areas, and enhance public safety for the community.
WHEREAS, in order for these stations to be fully operational and functional, it is necessary to furnish each station with essential Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E).
WHEREAS, the estimated cost for FF&E for the new fire stations is $455,000 as determined by planning and procurement assessments conducted by Staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the Fire Department is authorized to proceed with the procurement and installation of FF&E necessary to outfit new fire stations 9 and 13. The amount of $455,000 is appropriated from General Obligation Bond Series 2025 C as previously approved by the City Council. The Fire Department, in conjunction with the Purchasing Division, are authorized to execute any purchase orders necessary to facilitate the acquisition of FF&E, in accordance with the purchasing policies and procedures of the City of Aurora.