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Hubbardston hears debate over lower‑cost tanker vs. $1.1M custom fire engine; chief urges a mid‑range purchase to avoid long wait
Summary
Select Board discussion and public questions focused on the town’s planned fire apparatus purchase, with the fire chief recommending a commercially‑chassis tanker (about $500,000) now to replace an aging engine rather than waiting years for a custom $1.1 million truck that might not pass at Town Meeting.
The Select Board and residents debated a planned replacement of a municipal fire apparatus during the May 5 annual town meeting hearing, focusing on price, delivery time and operational capability.
Fire Chief presented options: a commercially‑chassis tanker priced just under $500,000 for immediate purchase and delivery on a 2024/2025 production timeline, or a custom ladder/tanker combination priced at roughly $1.1 million that would be built on a longer schedule. The chief said the commercial tanker would carry about 3,000 gallons of water, improving on the current 2,500‑gallon tanker and providing more time at scenes in a town with limited hydrant coverage.
“I would rather ensure that we have 3,000 gallons of water with some bows, ladders to go than waiting for 2 and a half, 3 years and not know,” the chief said, arguing that the town’s existing engine shows frame corrosion and may not last the multi‑year lead time for a custom build. The chief and multiple residents said the $1.1 million custom truck likely requires a debt‑exclusion vote and could fail at ballot, delaying replacement and creating a risk the existing truck will become inoperable while the town waits.
Residents asked technical and lifecycle questions about the proposals. Speakers described the commercial chassis truck as shorter and more maneuverable — important for Hubbardston’s stations and roads — while acknowledging it carries fewer compartments and some fewer tools than a full custom engine. The chief described the commercial option as meeting approximately 80% of operational needs and said mutual aid and additional apparatus would fill capability gaps on larger incidents.
Board members and residents discussed timing and procurement strategy. The vendor had multiple 2024 model tankers in inventory; the chief said he was attempting to secure a 2024 unit and had discussed an option to “lock in” a price pending the Town Meeting vote. The chief recommended a conservative purchase approach to maximize the chance of voter approval while reducing the immediate operational risk posed by the current apparatus.
No formal purchase vote occurred at the Select Board hearing; the discussion was part of the Annual Town Meeting warrant preview and capital plan review. The Select Board and town staff said they will try to secure firm pricing with the vendor and bring the item forward to voters in June as part of the capital articles if procurement paperwork can be locked pending voter authorization.
