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Decorah council green-lights quotes for new fire-rescue vehicle and schedules further fire-station planning
Summary
Council authorized staff to solicit firm quotes for a replacement rescue truck with expected 30–36 month lead time and discussed stalled fire-station consultant work; council asked staff to provide needed clarifications and consider an earlier work session.
The Decorah City Council authorized staff to solicit firm quotes for a new fire-rescue vehicle and discussed timing for follow-up work on a proposed fire station design after a consultant requested clarification on scope.
A staff member said the fiscal 2026 budget includes $500,000 for a new rescue truck plus a $500,000 bond or commercial loan, and that two manufacturers quoted lead times of 30 to 36 months for custom builds. The staff member said one quote used for budgeting was about $480,000 and another was nearer $540,000, and that both firms said payment would not be required until delivery.
"Both companies have stated that payment would not be required until delivery," the staff member said, and recommended the council allow staff to solicit updated quotes and return with a recommendation in July. The council approved that motion; staff said the anticipated lead time means the contract will not show as a near-term payment obligation.
On fire-station planning, councilmembers discussed the consultant Brunton (consultant name in file), noting the consultant had asked for further clarification on scope and that ISG provided independent, preliminary cost validation suggesting the Brunton numbers may be light. Councilmembers urged staff to convene a work session sooner than the regular council meeting schedule so the council can provide clear direction on scope, design priorities and timeline for a potential fall bond.
A councilmember asked that staff circulate specific questions for consultants ahead of any extra meeting; staff said they will post documents in the city's shared folder and asked council to specify what additional information they want before staff returns with an updated timetable.
The council took no immediate bond or financing action beyond authorizing quote solicitation for the vehicle; councilmembers emphasized the need for clearer scope documents and prioritization before asking voters to approve new debt.
