Caldwell council ratifies ARPA‑funded purchases for fire and police: squads, vehicles, training and equipment

The Caldwell City Council unanimously approved a series of resolutions ratifying use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase vehicles, training equipment and consulting services for the fire and police departments during its Jan. 6 meeting.

Background: Council described a recent refund of approximately $1.8 million from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) — ARPA project money that came in under budget — with the caveat funds had to be spent by Dec. 31. Council and staff said departments coordinated to propose uses before the deadline.

Items ratified (summaries of council action and staff presentations):

- Ford F‑550 Type‑6 squad (called an “Extreme” squad in the packet): Council approved ratification of ARPA funding to purchase a replacement Type‑6 squad to retire a 2001 vehicle whose repair costs exceed value. Deputy Chief Matt Shoop said the squad is used for brush/grass/wildland fires and lower‑acuity medical and smaller fire calls to keep larger apparatus available. (Approved unanimously.)

- Emergency Services Consulting (ESCI) services: Council approved ARPA funding to hire Emergency Services Consulting, Inc. for a package that staff described as community‑risk reduction analysis, fire station…