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Council to consider resolution on Engine 2 after fire department reports major engine damage
Summary
The fire department reported severe engine damage to Engine 2 and presented an estimated engine replacement cost; staff will present a formal resolution for council consideration at the regular session (or possibly a special called meeting) to authorize repairs or replacement and bridge-response arrangements in the interim.
Signal Mountain's Fire Department reported that Engine 2 suffered severe internal engine damage and that a local vendor recommended an engine replacement.
At the April 28, 2025, work session the chief described teardown findings of damaged cylinder walls and a head-gasket failure; the vendor's quoted estimate for engine replacement in the transcript was 'just a little over $42,000.' The chief and staff noted additional outstanding repairs to the vehicle (lighting package, DEF/emissions components and other items) that could increase total rehabilitation costs substantially.
Council and staff discussed options including repairing the engine to return the unit to reserve status, selling the vehicle after repair, or purchasing a replacement apparatus. Council and the chief said the department currently has a backup apparatus in service (identified as an older 1997 quint/pumper) but expressed concern that using an older vehicle can limit maneuverability in tight streets and that the department's insurance/ISO rating depends on equipment availability.
Staff reported that repairing the engine and addressing some punch-list items could yield several more years of useful service (estimates in discussion ranged to five or more years) and that repaired apparatus often have resale value for smaller volunteer departments. The chief noted that LED lighting modules on the affected vehicle are obsolete because the original lighting supplier is no longer in business, which adds to replacement costs.
Town staff said they will place a draft resolution for engine replacement/repair on the next regular council meeting agenda and that, if necessary, a special called meeting could be scheduled to authorize repair more quickly. The draft resolution would seek authorization for an expenditure of 'no more than' the vendor's quoted estimate plus an incidental allowance (staff said they added about $2,500 to the quote when drafting the resolution). Staff and the chief emphasized the need to restore a reserve apparatus to maintain response capability.
No purchase was authorized at the work session. Council members said they supported moving a resolution to the upcoming regular meeting and were open to a special called meeting to act sooner if calendars permitted.
