Commission approves pump rebuild and buys hose-test gear after engine failure and ISO notes

After a pump failure during an annual pump test on a 1993 frontline engine, the Morgan County Commission approved a budget adjustment of $19,228.30 to pay Larson Apparatus in Logan to rebuild the pump, replace several ball valves and repair emergency lighting. Fire Chief Boyd Kerrigan told commissioners the apparatus — frequently used for water shuttle and as a frontline engine — failed the pump test for the first time in 33 years; technicians will disassemble and repair the pump at the specialized facility.

Commissioners approved the adjustment by motion. Chief Kerrigan said Larson is the nearest facility with the expertise to rebuild fire pump assemblies for apparatus of that age.

Separately, the commission reviewed a staff request to buy hose-testing gear so the county can periodically test and certify its own hoses. An outside vendor quoted about $3,500 per year for third-party testing of all hoses. Purchasing portable hose test equipment would be more cost-effective; staff collected multiple quotes and proposed a mixed purchase that reduced the net cost to around $6,690.52. ISO (Insurance Services Office) had marked the department for missing annual hose testing; county staff said performing the first of three internal tests this year would be counted during the ISO review process. Commissioners authorized procurement from the budget line for fire equipment and advised staff to proceed, using county purchasing thresholds and returning for further appropriations if needed.

Commissioners and the fire chief discussed maintenance budgeting: some commissioners urged larger annual maintenance reserves to avoid year-end emergency requests; Chief Kerrigan acknowledged limited historical padding in the fleet maintenance line and said he will include a larger contingency in next year’s budget preparations.

The actions are funded from the county general fund and fleet/equipment lines as approved at the meeting.