Derby moves up purchase of new fire engine, council approves $1.02 million procurement
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Summary
The Derby City Council authorized purchase of a new fire engine from Conrad Fire Equipment through HGACBuy for $1,018,691.42 and moved the replacement forward in the equipment schedule to mitigate rising costs and long lead times.
The Derby City Council on Sept. 23 authorized the city manager to enter into an agreement to purchase a new fire engine for $1,018,691.42 from Conrad Fire Equipment through HGACBuy. Councilors said moving the purchase forward reduces the risk posed by rising apparatus prices and extended manufacturer lead times.
Fire Chief John Turner recommended accelerating the replacement of Engine 82 from the department's scheduled 2027 replacement to the 2025 revised schedule to avoid further price increases and long build times. "The apparatus industry has really increased a lot in the build time and in their cost as well," Turner said, adding that moving up the purchase could yield savings.
Council member Molt moved to authorize the purchase; the motion passed 6-0. Officials said the new engine will place the city's 2001 apparatus into reserve, and that parts and maintenance availability influenced the need to replace older units.
Finance staff noted that local revenues from the "Derby Different" sales tax have freed other equipment-reserve dollars to be used for capital purchases, allowing the city to pay cash for the engine rather than bond for it as in earlier years.
The council did not discuss contract terms beyond price and procurement vehicle; the purchase will proceed under standard equipment-procurement procedures.
