Scott County fire officials updated the fiscal court on apparatus delivery timelines and urged the county to consider contracting now for a new pumper that would arrive in roughly three years.

Why it matters: Fire apparatus have long lead times and large capital costs; a planned, phased replacement schedule reduces the risk of multiple aging units remaining in frontline service and helps spread costs across budget years.

What was reported. Fire leadership said the ladder truck ordered in 2022 is expected to arrive in September and will retire a 1999 ladder truck. Three pumpers on order are slated for delivery in January or February 2026; when they arrive, older pumpers (including units currently in frontline service) will shift to reserve status and two even older pumpers will be surplused. The department is now planning for a procurement that would replace the 2017 pumper and move that vehicle to reserve status when the new apparatus arrives around 2028.

Why staff recommends ordering now. Fire officials asked the court to authorize staff to enter a contract with a manufacturer because delivery of a custom pumper can take about 35 months. John Ward said the objective is to move an apparatus into reserve at about the 10–12 year mark — consistent with lifecycle guidance — rather than waiting until pumps are 20-plus years old and less reliable. "If we can get a truck into reserve status...you're gonna extend the life of that apparatus," Ward told the court.

Budget and procurement questions. The court discussed payment timing and budgeting for a future purchase; officials emphasized the plan spreads costs over multiple fiscal years rather than requiring a single large outlay. No purchase motion was adopted at the meeting; the court asked staff to place an item on a future agenda to consider a contract and to return with budget options.

Operational implications. Court members noted the recent multiyear ordering plan (orders in 2022 and 2023) will substantially improve the county’s frontline fleet when all apparatus are delivered. Ward said the department is also working to standardize pumpers so spare parts and maintenance are more efficient when multiple identical units are in the fleet.

Ending: Staff will bring a procurement item for a new pumper to the court’s agenda with budget options; no contract was signed at this meeting.