Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Montgomery County adds $250,000 to fire-truck appropriation amid rising costs
Summary
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 20 to add $250,000 to the appropriation for a replacement fire truck for Bisco, bringing the appropriation to $900,000, after staff said equipment costs have risen sharply and delivery lead times exceed two years.
The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 20 to amend the county budget and add $250,000 to the appropriation for a replacement fire truck assigned to Bisco, bringing the total appropriation for the vehicle to $900,000.
County Manager Frankie told the board that earlier budget estimates no longer cover market prices. "We simply did not appropriate enough money to purchase a truck," Frankie said, and recommended the $250,000 amendment to allow the county to complete the purchase this year.
Proponents said the additional funds will allow the county to buy a truck with needed cab space and up-to-date equipment. "This additional $250,000 is really gonna get us back into the ballpark of where we need to be to purchase the truck for the needs of Bisco," said a fire department representative during the discussion. Staff also noted the department has secured an $80,000 OSFM matching grant to buy equipment that will go on the new vehicle.
Board members and fire chiefs debated whether to stretch replacement cycles, delay purchases, or increase annual contributions to the truck-replacement fund to offset long-term cost escalation. Manager Frankie said his "back-of-napkin" estimate shows the fund could be exhausted within about a decade unless the board adjusts funding or replacement timing.
Commissioners raised procurement and delivery concerns: staff said manufacturers' build times currently exceed 24 months, increasing the urgency to lock prices and place orders.
Motion and vote Speaker 3 moved to amend the budget to add $250,000 to the truck appropriation and Speaker 1 seconded. The board voted in favor; the motion carried.
What happens next Staff will proceed with the amended appropriation and continue working with the fire departments and town officials on specifications, timing and funding options. Commissioners said they plan further discussions about the truck-replacement fund and long-term budgeting before future purchases.
