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Berkley approves $1.17 million purchase of replacement fire engine
Summary
The City Council approved purchase of a Rosenbauer Commander pumper chassis and body for $1,170,000 to replace Engine 4; payments scheduled across two fiscal years and delivery timeline stretches over two years.
The Berkley City Council on July 21 approved a $1,170,000 purchase of a Rosenbauer Commander chassis with a pumper body to replace Engine 4, the city's primary firefighting apparatus. The motion (M5825) passed by roll call vote with all members present voting yes.
City Manager Van Vleck and Public Safety staff said Engine 4, a 2007 Spartan-Darley, has reached near-20-year service and has had mechanical problems, including a previous fire. “Engine 4 is our primary response vehicle. It's our biggest toolbox,” the chief of public safety said, noting the truck carries hydraulic rescue tools, stabilization equipment and other specialty gear.
The contract calls for $540,000 to be paid upon delivery of the chassis (budgeted in fiscal 2026-27) and the remaining approximately $630,000 to be paid upon final delivery (budgeted in fiscal 2027-28). Staff said the vehicle will be built in the United States (Rosenbauer, South Dakota) though some parts are sourced internationally; the company was selected after an internal apparatus committee review and comparison with other vendors.
Officials noted operational reasons for selecting Rosenbauer: existing tower and squad apparatus are Rosenbauer, which simplifies maintenance and controls training needs. The city also budgeted the purchase in its capital-improvement program and said price increases since earlier planning account for the higher cost. Staff estimated the current Engine 4 may have resale value but made clear any sale price is not guaranteed.
Council members asked about garage fit, training continuity and budget timing. Van Vleck clarified the expense is planned across the next two fiscal years and that the city will address a recent price increase during next year’s budget process. Councilmember Baker praised the vendor choice and the attention to cab ergonomics to reduce training time and error during emergencies.
Mayor and council approved the motion by roll call; no public comment was recorded on the item. Mayor later noted that U.S. Sen. Gary Peters included $385,000 for the new truck in a proposed Senate budget, but cautioned the federal budget had not been finalized.
