Conway council approves emergency ordinance to buy mid‑mount aerial fire apparatus, waives bidding

CONWAY, Ark. — The Conway City Council voted 8-0 on March 25 to approve Ordinance O2533, including its emergency clause, authorizing the city to pursue purchase of a mid‑mount aerial fire apparatus and waiving the competitive bid process for that unit.

Council members approved the measure after Conway Fire Department Chief Winter described the unit as a pre‑existing “demo” model and said it would reach the streets soon. Chief Winter said the mid‑mount design, which places the bucket behind the cab rather than over the front, is “a bit safer design for the operator.” He added that the unit could shorten procurement lead time by several years.

The change to the ordinance removed an appropriation section and the council directed staff to explore financing options before finalizing payment. Council Member Heard and city staff were identified as coordinating requests for proposals (RFPs) with local banks; the RFPs will return to the council for further action.

Why it matters: The vote advances City Hall’s near‑term plans to modernize firefighting equipment and to rotate legacy apparatus into reserve status. Council and staff said the new mid‑mount apparatus will replace a 15‑year‑old engine, which will move into reserve and fill the role of an older unit still in daily service.

Details and debate: Chief Winter told the council the demo apparatus should be ready to enter service within a few months. When a council member asked whether the unit would arrive in August, Chief Winter said it “may be October,” adding the unit should be available in just a few months. The chief also said the department expects to have two engines already on order and has purchased four engines over the last two years.

Council members and staff discussed cost and timing. One council member referenced a figure of $2,288,530 when asking about savings; Chief Winter countered that the immediate saving "looks to be about 50,000." The record shows the council removed the appropriation language from O2533 and will return with financing details rather than completing payment on the floor that night.

The ordinance also contains a procurement exception: staff asked the council to waive the bid process because the vehicle is a demo unit already available through the manufacturer, Pierce Manufacturing. Council members said the waiver and emergency clause would allow the city to secure the unit more quickly than a standard multi‑year procurement timeline.

Votes and next steps: The council approved O2533 and the emergency clause, 8-0. Staff will issue RFPs for financing with local banks and return with financing recommendations and any necessary appropriation ordinances or contract documents for council approval.

The council's approval authorizes pursuit of the purchase; final payment terms and any financing package must still be approved in a future meeting.