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City continues pursuit of funding for fire pumper-tanker replacement amid higher costs and long lead times
Summary
The council heard that the city's pumper-tanker (purchased 2007) is aging and replacement costs have risen dramatically; staff are pursuing state and federal appropriations and warned of long lead times and market constraints affecting manufacturers.
City Manager Stewart told council that the city's pumper-tanker, purchased in 2007, will soon need replacement and that market conditions have raised costs and lead times.
Stewart said staff has submitted a state appropriation request and pursued federal contacts but noted Mason does not qualify for many federal grant programs; if federal programs are not available the city may be limited to loans or local financing. She described conversations with other cities reporting two-year lead times and rapidly increasing prices from manufacturers.
Council members asked about the likely replacement cost and timing; Stewart said the budget includes an estimate but cautioned that it is a planning number and that actual costs could be higher. Staff said they will continue pursuing appropriations and will report back as funding options firm up.
Stewart also said the city is advocating with congressional representatives about potential market-concentration issues among manufacturers that may be driving price increases. "We're asking for them to offset these large increases," Stewart said, describing outreach to a congressman.
