Santaquin approves fire hose purchase and discusses ladder truck pre‑build training

The Santaquin City Council on July 19 approved a state‑contract purchase of hose for the fire department and discussed upcoming out‑of‑state training tied to the city’s new ladder truck purchase.

City staff said the hose purchase is on a state procurement contract that already completed the competitive process. The expense is covered in the current budget and was approved by council as a routine equipment procurement ahead of the new ladder truck’s arrival.

Separately, staff described an out‑of‑state pre‑build conference in Wisconsin connected to the city’s recently ordered ladder truck. The pre‑build conference — where city personnel view the truck during construction and provide input — will be paid for under the truck purchase; staff said the vendor covers most costs and that the city pays upfront and is reimbursed. Staff said there will be additional trips next year for testing the ladder, hydraulics and pumps once the truck is complete, and the truck is currently estimated to be available around May of next year.

Council members asked whether removing the pre‑build trip from the contract would have lowered the truck price and whether three personnel must attend; staff said those trip costs are packaged into the vendor’s proposal and not optional. The council approved the hose purchase and expressed appreciation for the procurement approach that seeks cost savings by using state contracts.

What this means: The department’s equipment replacement and staff training tied to the new ladder truck are proceeding; the ladder truck vendor is handling much of the travel expense, and staff expect the vehicle next year. The hose purchase was approved by council under the state contract.