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Council approves $4.38 million purchase of three fire apparatus; funding adjusted to avoid future general fund commitments
Summary
Council authorized a purchase order for two pumpers and one tractor-drawn aerial from 10-8 Fire Equipment for $4,378,595.86, funded from Penny for Pinellas, county fire tax and current general-fund revenues. Interim fire chief and public commenters discussed transparency on fleet condition.
The Clearwater City Council authorized a purchase order on April 3 to buy two Pierce Velocity pumpers and one Pierce tractor-drawn aerial from 10-8 Fire Equipment, Inc., for a total price of $4,378,595.86.
Interim Fire Chief Marvin Pettengill told council staff revised the funding plan after concerns about using future general-fund dollars; the department will instead use current general-fund revenues, the Penny for Pinellas capital program and the county fire tax to pay for the apparatus. Council approved the purchase unanimously.
Public comment included requests for more transparency on the condition and mileage of apparatus the city plans to retire or trade; a few speakers asked whether the interim chief would be promoted and whether purchases should wait until a permanent chief is in place. Chief Pettengill and staff said the fleet replacement schedule and funding sources were reviewed in prior work sessions and that a work-session memo and vendor details had been shared with council earlier in the week.
What the ordinance says and next steps: Council authorized disposal of surplus apparatus by auction or trade-in as deemed in the city’s best interest and directed appropriate officials to execute the purchase order. Staff said the new apparatus will be accepted only upon receipt and verification. The council recorded the vote as unanimous in favor.
