Somersworth council authorizes contract for $2.3 million aerial platform, funding to be resolved later

The Somersworth City Council on Sept. 2 authorized the city manager to contract with Allegiance Fire and Rescue for the purchase of a Pierce Enforcer 100-foot rear-mount platform aerial apparatus for the fire department at a purchase price of $2,301,005.
The council’s action approves the purchase agreement but does not yet establish how the city will finance the vehicle. City Manager (identified in meeting as the city manager) told the council that staff expect to use long-term borrowing when the time to borrow arrives and that the manager will return to the council with specific borrowing options, including possible use of fund balance to lower future debt.
Council discussion focused on operational benefits, relative cost, procurement process and options for risk management around price changes during the two-year lead time for delivery. Councilors and the fire department said a platform offers operational advantages — including safer rescues and reduced crew requirements — that justify a moderate price premium over a traditional aerial ladder. The city manager told the council the contract contains standard price‑adjustment protections tied to indices, and that a one‑year prepayment ahead of delivery is one way to reduce escalation risk.
Chief Moore and the fire department apparatus committee reviewed bids and recommended the Pierce unit; councilors cited fleet consistency and the results of that review during debate. Councilor Gibson, who moved the resolution, said the purchase followed a competitive bid and that Pierce represents a middle bid; Councilor Pepin seconded the motion. The resolution passed on a roll-call vote: Pepin, Vincent, Gibson, Paradis Catanzaro, Michaud, Witham, Goodwin and Cameron voted yes. No recorded no votes were taken.
The city manager’s memo provided sample budget impacts: borrowing $2.3 million over 20 years at a 4.5% interest rate was estimated at about $176,000 annually (approximately $36 per year on a $400,000 assessed home). A hypothetical $750,000 cash contribution would reduce the annual payment to about $119,000. The council did not adopt a financing plan tonight but discussed options including setting aside funds over the next fiscal years to reduce future borrowing.
The council’s authorization allows staff to execute the purchase agreement. The manager and finance staff will return with the recommended financing approach in a future meeting and with details on any prepayment options or cash contributions the council might approve.