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Kingston approves $735,000 tanker purchase from Lakes Region Fire Apparatus
Summary
The Kingston Select Board voted unanimously to award a $735,000 contract for a new fire tanker to Lakes Region Fire Apparatus (an Alexis model), following staff recommendation and trustee approval to fund the purchase.
The Kingston Select Board on April 21 unanimously approved awarding a $735,000 contract for a new fire tanker to Lakes Region Fire Apparatus of Tamworth, N.H., for an Alexis tanker.
The vote follows the fire department’s review of two bids. Chief Pellerin told the board the Alexis bid was the lowest and would save the town about $44,000 if paid up front. He also cited a shorter lead time — about 530 days versus more than 800 days for the alternative — and the closer proximity of the vendor’s service center in Tamworth.
Town officials said the money for the purchase will come from funds under the trustees related to a warrant article approved at town meeting. Chief Pellerin said he has informed the trustees that the town will need the money within weeks and asked the board for authorization to sign the contract.
Trustees and town staff discussed options for protecting an up-front payment; Chief Pellerin said the town would typically require a performance bond to protect funds if the vendor failed during the build period. The chief explained the vendor’s financing model, saying vendors often apply customer prepayments to build subsequent apparatus, which is why vendors can extend a discount for immediate payment.
Motion by Ellie Alessio, second by Laurie Sweed, carried unanimously. The chair directed staff to complete signatures and coordinate with the trustees for funds transfer.
