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Council authorizes ordering of new ladder truck, budgeting for delivery after July 1, 2028
Summary
Fire Chief requested authorization to order a replacement Ladder 1 truck (estimated cost about $2.1M) with expected delivery in 2028–29; council approved the authorization to proceed and will budget for the purchase in the appropriate capital year.
The Town Council authorized the Fire Department to begin the ordering process for a replacement Ladder 1 truck.
Fire Chief DiMello described lifecycle replacement timing (roughly 20–22 years), current lead times (about three years to build), and an estimated purchase price around $2.1 million. He recommended budgeting for delivery after July 1, 2028 and noted some towns are waiting up to four years for delivery. He also said the town’s investment spreads roughly to about $5 per person per year over a 20‑year period based on the town’s population estimate.
Council members endorsed planning ahead, citing strong vehicle maintenance practices and the practicality of ordering now to avoid longer lead times. The council voted unanimously to authorize the department to move forward with ordering and budgeting for the vehicle in the planned capital schedule.
Next steps: the administrator and fire chief will incorporate the purchase into capital planning and bond/budget schedules as appropriate; the town may seek financing and will track expected delivery timelines with the vendor.
