Sitting as the Miami County Fire District 1 board, the commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of an air compressor for the Oshawaewamie Fire Station.

Mark Whalen, fire coordinator, said the compressor scheduled for replacement in 2027 was available early at a substantial discount from normal prices of $85,000–$100,000; the vendor was offering an overstock price of $56,146.54. The county and the city will split the cost 50–50, with the fire district’s share totaling $28,073.27 to come from the existing capital budget. Whalen asked the board to waive the bid process to proceed with the purchase; he said staff expects a six- to eight-week delivery.

Commissioner Vickrey moved to approve and Commissioner Scruggs seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The county will secure a necessary piece of emergency equipment at a discounted price that accelerates replacement and is paid from existing capital funds.