Middletown council approves purchase of pumper‑tanker truck for fire department

The Town of Middletown Town Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the purchase of a pumper/tanker apparatus for the town’s fire department.

Town staff described the purchase as part of the department’s five‑year capital plan and said the truck is available on a production line for delivery in December 2026. According to the presentation to the council, the apparatus price under the HDAC master price agreement is $882,500; the town plans to finance the vehicle over five years through a lease‑purchase agreement and to pay from the town’s rescue‑wagon fund — the dedicated proceeds the town receives from insurers for providing rescue/wagon services.

Town staff said if the town misses the current production line slot the apparatus would not be available for about three years and that engine and configuration changes could increase the cost by more than $100,000. “This truck is available in a production line right now. It would be available for delivery in December 2026. If we miss this window, we would have to wait for 3 years to receive the pumper,” the presenter said. Councilors then moved and seconded a resolution to approve the purchase; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Funding and procurement details: The council was told the funding source is the rescue‑wagon fund; the vehicle is being procured through the HDAC master price agreement. The apparatus will be subject to the town’s typical leasing/financing terms and to the department’s asset management schedule.

What was decided: The council passed the resolution to approve the expenditure and financing mechanism and directed staff to proceed with the purchase.

What was not decided: No additional long‑term financing plan beyond the five‑year lease purchase was stated in the meeting, and the council did not discuss specifications beyond those noted in the presentation.