Fire chief asks for $20,000 increase to apparatus maintenance line to keep aging ladder truck operational
November 06, 2025 | Hooksett, Merrimack County , New Hampshire
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"I went to the council last night to request that they increase my proposed budget from 90,000 to 110," the chief said, describing two older primary pieces of apparatus—"the ladder truck and engine 5"—that have driven maintenance spending. The chief told the committee the department is already about three quarters through the current year's apparatus line and that a 3'year average for the line is about $129,000.
Town Administrator Andre Garen told the committee he supported the increase. He reminded members that the ladder truck in service was built in 2007 and that replacement of such equipment is far costlier than planned maintenance. "Those are very expensive to replace and therefore, this amount of money in the apparatus line ... is a lot less expensive than trying to replace a whole truck," he said.
Council action and budget effect: The council voted to add the requested increase; the finance director confirmed the council'recommended budget includes $20,000 additional funding in the fire vehicle maintenance line. That addition was part of the package the committee later accepted as the council'recommended budget.
Why it matters: The request reflects a strategy to extend the service life of expensive equipment through increased maintenance funding rather than near'term replacement, and it has a direct line'item effect on the operating budget.
Next steps: The committee accepted the council'recommended budget (which includes the added apparatus funding) and asked staff to return with any additional capital or replacement scheduling information if warranted.
Ending: Administration and the finance director indicated they would continue to monitor equipment condition and procurement timing and share further details with the committee if replacement needs change the budget picture.
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