Crossville plans to order new pumper truck as 2005 engine shows major mechanical issues

Crossville's fire chief recommended the city order a new pumper truck now and set aside funds over the next 32 to 33 months rather than invest large sums into an aging 2005 engine that has required extended repairs.

The chief told council the department's 2005 rescue engine has had extended out-of-service periods and likely needs major repairs that could be expensive and still leave the vehicle unreliable. "At 20 years and the fact that this truck is has seen a good life, I don't think I think we're gonna be throwing good money in a bad product," the chief said.

Staff identified a build slot for a new apparatus and told council the vendor estimated delivery in about 32 to 33 months. The recommended truck would be similar in configuration to recent apparatus orders and would be used in a rescue capacity from Station 2. The chief said the city would not be responsible for payments until the apparatus is delivered, and staff recommended setting aside monthly funds while the truck is constructed.

Council members noted the long lead time for custom fire apparatus and generally supported ordering now to avoid later delays; staff and the chief said the department would keep the older engine in reserve while the new truck is built but warned the department could need temporary responses if the older vehicle suffered catastrophic failure.

Ending: Council asked staff to place the equipment purchase on a future agenda for formal approval and consider budgeting for the payment schedule; no purchase vote occurred at the work session.