Board approves FY26 blanket purchase orders for fire-apparatus service

The New Canaan Board of Selectmen on June 17 unanimously approved three fiscal year 2026 blanket purchase orders to cover apparatus service and repair for the town’s fire department.

The action covers a $25,000 purchase order for Northeastern Fire Apparatus, a $35,000 PO for Gallons and Night, and a $35,000 PO for On Scene LLC. The board voted to approve the requests after the fire department explained how it will use multiple vendors to reduce downtime and match the vendor to the apparatus requiring service.

The department representative told the board the three vendors provide the same overall services but that the town will divide work according to the apparatus manufacturer and the vendors’ capabilities. On Scene LLC was described as a newer mobile vendor that can perform regular on-site services—oil changes, radiator service and brakes—to limit the time an apparatus is out of service, while the other two vendors will handle larger repairs that require shop facilities.

Board members pressed for context on how the requested totals compared with recent spending. The fire representative said the requested blanket amounts are below the department’s current year expenditures and that larger repairs that exceed the PO thresholds would trigger quotes or bids per purchasing rules.

Officials said the town is conducting an internal audit of apparatus maintenance procurement and plans to create a written policy to clarify when quotes, bids or blanket POs are appropriate for emergency vehicles. The board and staff discussed the balance between minimizing emergency-vehicle downtime and complying with bidding thresholds for larger repairs.

The motion to approve the three blanket purchase orders passed unanimously.