# Richmond Common Council Committee of the Whole of November 2, 2026


**Body:** WCTV Channels 11, 20 & 21
**Date:** November 01, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Public Safety, Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


The Richmond Common Council Committee of the Whole met on November 2, 2026, to discuss Ordinance 42-2026 and a proposed non-reverting capital fund for the Richmond Fire Department. The fire chief said the existing EMS/first response fund collects about $3.4 million annually and typically spends $2.1–$2.2 million; the proposal would allow surplus funds to be reserved for future fire apparatus and ambulance purchases. The controller explained that the proposed Fund 4410 would be restricted to fire department capital costs, including apparatus and heavy-rescue vehicles, protective equipment and communications hardware, fire stations and training facilities, and related debt service or lease obligations. The existing Fund 2215 would continue to support EMS operations. No vote was taken and the ordinance was not approved during this discussion.

Speakers disagreed about whether the proposed fund structure could affect the existing capital model. Former department representative Bill Purcell cited an estimated annual capital shortfall of just over $300,000, falling EMS revenue, and about $4.7 million currently in the existing fund, and urged the council to preserve funds for future equipment needs. The controller said excess funds could be transferred to Fund 4410 after the annual financial report, subject to council action. Council members called for locating the ordinance that originally established the existing fund and clarifying the appropriate accounting treatment before proceeding; no specific contract or vendor award was discussed.

**Source:** WCTV Channels 11, 20 & 21