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Madison County DES to solicit bids for first-responder truck after mechanical failures
Summary
A DES employee told commissioners the department's truck has major mechanical problems and asked permission to advertise for replacement; commissioners said staff may proceed if procurement rules and recordkeeping for future FEMA audits are followed.
A Madison County emergency services employee told commissioners the department’s response truck is no longer economical to repair and asked permission to advertise for replacement quotes; commissioners agreed staff may proceed provided county procurement policies are followed.
The employee described the vehicle as heavily used and said replacing the transmission and other repairs would cost about $7,000 and likely not be worthwhile for the aging truck. The employee added that response vehicles face heavier wear in emergency use and cited a national typical service life of five to seven years for response vehicles.
“ I just need your permission for me to go ahead, and I'm gonna follow the procurement policy,” said Speaker 5, a DES employee and first responder. A commissioner replied, “As long as you follow the procurement policies, I think you're good,” and asked staff to keep procurement records in case of future FEMA audit review.
Staff said they will advertise, seek quotes from agencies the sheriff's department uses for fleet vehicles and consider both half-ton and 250 (procurement option) vehicle classes. The employee said equipment and electronics currently in the truck—lights, radios and wiring—will be salvaged for reuse and the old truck may be offered at auction.
No formal vote was taken during the work session; commissioners authorized staff to proceed administratively by following procurement rules and preserving documentation for auditability before any purchase is finalized.
