In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the construction of a new fire station and the associated procurement of a new fire engine. The city has borrowed approximately $6 million for the fire station's construction, with plans to allocate around $1 million for the purchase of a new fire engine. However, the timeline for acquiring this equipment has significantly changed due to extended lead times.

The fire chief reported that the delivery time for fire trucks has increased dramatically, with the latest vehicle taking over a year to arrive. Current estimates suggest that a new truck could take between 24 to 36 months for delivery. This delay raises concerns about the aging fleet, as one engine will reach 15 years of service during this waiting period, necessitating its transition to a backup status.

To mitigate costs, officials noted that if the fire engine is ordered by October 31, the city could save approximately $40,000, as prices are set to increase after that date. The total cost for the new fire truck is projected at $998,547. The council is considering moving forward with the purchase to ensure operational readiness and to avoid additional expenses.

The discussion highlighted the importance of timely decision-making in public safety investments, as delays could impact the effectiveness of the fire department's response capabilities. The council is expected to deliberate further on the authorization of the fire engine purchase in light of these developments.