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Livingston approves $1.24 million purchase of new fire engine; council authorizes supplemental funds
Summary
The Livingston City Council approved purchase of a High‑Tech MetroStar Type 1 pumper for $1,236,985.58, authorized up to $63,000 in supplemental appropriations and approved a down payment not to exceed $600,000. Council added fund-number language and identified funding sources; volunteers urged planning for ladder capability.
Livingston — The City Council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to sign a purchase agreement for a High‑Tech MetroStar MFD Type 1 pumper with an advertised unit cost of $1,236,985.58 and to authorize supplemental appropriations to complete the acquisition.
The council amended the staff resolution to add standard fund-number language and to authorize supplemental appropriations not to exceed $63,000 “to cover any unforeseen costs,” and to permit the city manager to make a down payment not to exceed $600,000. Councilmember Malone presented the fund‑number amendment before the vote. The motion passed on a 5–0 roll call.
Volunteer firefighter David Bates, who spoke during public comment, urged approval, saying the department’s lead engine is 25 years old and “we are definitely due for an upgrade.” Resident Jose Flores asked the council to plan for ladder capability and future apparatus purchases as the city builds a standalone fire department.
City staff explained the purchase will piggyback on a cooperative procurement program and described the selected chassis and equipment features. The packet lists the model as a High‑Tech Spartan MetroStar with a 450‑HP Cummins engine and a 1,500‑GPM pump. Staff said lead times for completion are long (240–365 days from chassis receipt) and that budgeting for equipment and future replacements is important given consolidation in the industry and rising prices.
The council and staff identified funding sources for the purchase including the general fund, Measure L oversight funds, fire impact fees, the fleet replacement fund and specified CFD/fire property tax accounts. Councilmembers said they would continue planning for staffing, training and additional apparatus needs as the city transitions to a stand‑alone fire department.
The approval follows prior council direction to pursue Measure L/Measure V resources to support public safety and reflects volunteer and community input on apparatus needs. The city manager and staff will finalize contracts and report back on timing and payment schedule.
