LAFD Faces Scrutiny Over Proposed $345M Sales Tax Hike Amid Aging Infrastructure

Los Angeles fire officials faced intense questioning from City Council members on Friday regarding the proposed Measure FD, a sales tax hike intended to generate $345 million annually for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The measure, facing a vote in 11 days, has drawn scrutiny over how the additional funds would be allocated to address critical infrastructure needs and improve emergency response times.

Councilwoman Traci Park highlighted concerns about the department's spending plan, emphasizing the need for accountability. "If we are asking Angelenos to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the fire department, City Hall owes them a concrete plan for how every dollar is going to make LA safer," Park stated.

The LAFD's current budget is approaching $1 billion, with a proposed 2026-27 spending plan of $939.5 million. If approved, Measure FD would increase the city's sales tax from 10.25% to 10.75% and could potentially boost the LAFD's funding to nearly $1.3 billion annually, with no expiration date for the tax.

Fire Chief Jaime Moore acknowledged significant challenges within the department. He testified that 56 of the city's 106 fire stations are between 50 and 85 years old, and six of the 22 maintenance hoists used for fire truck repairs are inoperable. Furthermore, the acquisition of new fire engines is a lengthy process, with Moore stating it takes approximately three years to receive a new vehicle.

A department analysis revealed that fire engines and ambulances can reach only 49.2% of city roads within the recommended four-minute response benchmark. Firefighters also noted that the department has a similar number of personnel to the 1960s, despite a substantial increase in emergency call volume and a population growth of 1.4 million.

Moore outlined plans to increase the size of upcoming firefighter recruit classes from 120 to 180 individuals. However, he admitted that the department lacks sufficient civilian staff to process applicants and the necessary training infrastructure to support rapid hiring expansion. "We're gonna have to hire more civilian staff," Moore told council members, attributing the shortage to years of budget cuts.

Council members also questioned whether the funds from Measure FD would be protected from diversion to other city programs. Moore assured them that the measure includes safeguards to prevent the revenue from being absorbed into the city's general fund or reallocated to non-fire department purposes. The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City union has reportedly invested $4.5 million in campaigning for Measure FD.

Park's motion calls for a detailed expenditure plan specifying priorities for fire stations and equipment, timelines for hiring additional firefighters, and measurable improvements for taxpayers within 30, 60, 90, and 180 days. The measure aims to address critical needs, but officials and council members are seeking concrete assurances on how the proposed tax revenue will translate into tangible improvements in public safety.