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Village approves up-to-$1.31 million contract with Pierce to replace 2005 fire engine
Summary
The Village of Jackson authorized a contract with Pierce to build a replacement fire engine, not to exceed $1,309,907, after a multi-year committee review of specifications, costs and local dealer support.
The Village Board of the Village of Jackson on March 11 approved a contract with Pierce for a new fire engine, not to exceed $1,309,907, to replace a 2005 Pierce engine (unit 1261).
A committee formed in 2024 that included department officers and operations staff presented the recommendation after reviewing proposals from Pierce and other manufacturers. Fire Chief Sweeny and Battalion Chief Lam described structural corrosion on the current engine's double-frame rails, a nonworking foam system and a tall hose bed that the committee said limits safe, rapid deployment.
“The main area of concern … we’ve got corroded frame rails,” Battalion Chief Lam said, describing rust and loss of material under the cab and pump area. The committee also recommended a lower hose bed (from 7 feet 4 inches down to about 5 feet 7 inches on the replacement) and a shorter overall height (from about 11 feet 8 inches to about 9 feet 11 inches) to improve safety and clearance.
The committee evaluated Pierce, E-1 and Seagrave. Seagrave declined to submit a proposal; E-1 quoted about $37,000 less on base price but declined to guarantee price stability for a 2027 engine-compliance change. The presentations cited local dealer Reliant in Slinger and Pierce’s willingness to guarantee a 2027-compliant engine price as reasons to recommend Pierce.
Officials said the proposed truck reduces some costly on-board features present on the old engine (a large light mast and an on-board foam system) in favor of simpler, lower-maintenance solutions and added features such as galvanized frame rails, air suspension to lower the hose bed when parked, 360-degree cameras and enhanced LED scene lighting.
Chief Sweeny said the committee and department prioritized reliability and operator safety and noted a tradeoff between features and price. The total “not to exceed” amount approved by the board — $1,309,907 — includes a contingency for potential design additions; the department expects to recover some value from sale of the existing engine later.
Motion and vote: Trustee Matt Emerick moved to approve the contract with Pierce not to exceed $1,309,907; Trustee Kripke seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote. The resolution and contract terms will be incorporated into the village’s capital planning and funding timeline.
Cost, timeline and funding: Presenters said typical build times for similar engines range from roughly 36 to 51 months; the department and dealer will work to reduce lead time by limiting optional items. The board discussed prepayment discounts but declined to authorize prepayment after financial analysis showed short-term borrowing costs would largely offset the offered discount. The board did not finalize financing at the meeting; staff will return with placement and timing details in the village’s financial management plan.
Why it matters: The engine is the department’s primary first-out response unit for structural fires and mutual aid. Presenters told the board corrosion and mechanical issues make replacement timely to maintain reliability and responder safety.
What’s next: Staff and the truck committee will finalize specifications and contract details with Pierce and work with the village’s financial advisor and the board on the funding plan and timing.
