Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Smithfield approves estimated $449,882 order for new Lifeline rescue vehicle
Summary
Fire chief told council the town should order a replacement Lifeline rescue vehicle now because manufacturing lead times are long; council approved an estimated $449,882 award to a specialty vehicle manufacturer to be paid from Fund 120.
The North Smithfield Town Council on April 7 authorized the purchase of a new Lifeline rescue vehicle, approving an estimated $449,882 award to a specialty vehicle manufacturer.
Fire Chief (presenting) told the council the vehicle would replace a 2018 rescue and that manufacturing lead times of roughly two to two-and-a-half years mean the town needs to place an order now. "There has to be some leeway with that," the chief said, describing the price as an estimate because the town will be purchasing a future-year chassis and costs can change as manufacturing timelines shift.
Councilors approved the motion by roll call; the vote as recorded in the minutes was unanimous. The chief said funds for the truck will come from the third-party billing account (Fund 120). He also said additional equipment for the vehicle — radios and a stretcher — will require a future authorization at a cost estimated then at about $42,000 based on current pricing.
Town officials and the council discussed the broader asset-management implications, noting that continuing increases in heavy-equipment costs will require updated forecasts for future replacements and may change how the town uses third-party-billing reserves to fund vehicles.
The council directed the fire chief and administration to return with more detailed timing and cost updates as the procurement proceeds. The authorization is an award to begin manufacturing; final purchase costs will be confirmed when chassis and components are available.
