To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Motor Grader – Catepillar Inc.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to execute, on behalf of the Fire District, a Participating Addendum with Caterpillar Inc., in an amount not to exceed $600,000, for the purchase of a motor grader, during the period of September 9, 2025 through April 14, 2027, under the terms of a Master Contract awarded by Sourcewell and distributed through Peterson CAT. (100% CCCFPD General Operating Fund)
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is a budgeted capital purchase for FY25-26 from the CCCFPD General Operating Fund. There will be cost savings through long term reduction or elimination of rental expenses of approximately $100,000 annually.
BACKGROUND:
For decades, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has maintained a fire trail program to aid in wildfire prevention and response. This program plays a key role in reducing wildfire spread, minimizing costs, and safeguarding both lives and property within the County. Each year from April through June, the District maintains approximately 300 miles of fire trails across the County using rented motor graders and a District-owned dozer. These trails are crucial for providing safe access for firefighting apparatus to effectively contain wildfires.
Purchasing a new motor grader would cut long-term costs and improve operational flexibility. Currently, the District shortens trail maintenance periods to minimize rental expenses. Owning a motor grader would remove this limitation, allowing for more efficient scheduling, year-round access, and better fire suppression across the County. The District also operates a fully staffed repair shop with experienced heavy equipment mechanics to maintain this machinery.
This purchase is governed by the terms of the agreement between the District and Peterson CAT, and the terms of a Sourcewell cooperative purchase contract awarded to Caterpillar, Inc. (Sourcewell Contract No. 011723-CAT).
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the contract is not approved, then the Fire District will be required to continue renting a motor grader, likely incurring increasing annual costs.