Macomb Township trustees on Nov. 25 adopted a budget amendment and approved several purchases to replace aging fire apparatus and finish Station 2 renovations.

The board voted unanimously to amend the fire improvement fund to increase expenses from $582,450 to $1,795,510 to allow a down payment on two new KME severe‑service fire engines. Miss Smith, who presented the item, told trustees that the engines were on the capital improvement plan for next year but that accepting a prepayment option would generate savings. "The engines were in our capital improvement plan for next year, but in order to utilize a prepayment savings option, we will need to have the board approve the amendment tonight," she said.

Fire Chief explained the recommended purchase: two KME engines from Payette Sales & Service to replace apparatus purchased in 2007. The chief said each engine will carry four personnel, carry 750 gallons of water and pump 1,500 gallons per minute, and that delivery is estimated about 29 months after order (roughly May 2028). KME offered a 50% prepay option; adopting the prepay would reduce the township’s cost by $133,186. The purchase motion, for $2,413,306, passed unanimously.

The board also approved related station purchases tied to ongoing Station 2 work: drying equipment (gear racks, hangers and a gear extractor) from MES for $21,687.40 and kitchen and laundry appliances from Sargent Appliance for $10,591. The chief said the drying equipment and appliances were included in the remodel project but required separate purchase approval as owner‑supplied items.

Trustees discussed delivery timelines and resale of older units; the chief said the department plans to recommend selling one replaced unit and keeping another as a reserve when new engines arrive. Finance and the treasurer had reviewed payment options and confirmed the 50% prepay produced net savings even when weighed against interest earnings.

Next steps: The township will execute purchase orders consistent with the approved prepay option and the capital improvement plan; delivery is expected in about 29 months.