Council approves fire department tires and a new battalion vehicle totaling roughly $133,389

Fort Atkinson’s City Council on Dec. 16 approved two fire‑department purchases: replacement of 10 tires for Tender 8191 and purchase of a 2026 Ford F‑350 crew cab battalion/command vehicle with equipment and modifications.

Fire staff said the tender’s tires are approaching DOT and NFPA 10‑year service life limits and must be replaced before the 2026 DOT inspection. The recommended vendor is J&L Tire of Johnson Creek; competing quotes were slightly lower but staff favored J&L because the vendor is certified to service emergency vehicles. The purchase price to replace 10 tires is $7,877.90 and will be paid from the rural vehicle fund, with the townships bearing the cost per the new township fire/EMS contract.

On the battalion vehicle, staff described the vehicle’s role as a mobile command post to improve incident management, communications and the ability to tow department trailers. The base vehicle was available through state contract at $55,588.50; outfitting and equipment bring the total not to exceed $125,511.91. Staff noted a donated vehicle from Enbridge that had served in this role has reached the end of its life; the new vehicle will have a longer service life and one‑third of the cost will be borne by participating townships under the contract.

Council approved both motions by voice vote. Staff said scheduled township contract funds and identified fund balances will cover these costs and that long‑term replacement planning remains part of the capital program.