Urbana approves purchase of dealer-stock fire engine to replace aging 2002 unit
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Summary
After describing mounting maintenance costs and long manufacturer lead times, the council approved a budget amendment to purchase a dealer-stock fire engine (approximately $1.1 million) from the vehicle replacement fund, saving roughly $200,000 versus ordering a custom build.
The Urbana Committee of the Whole approved a budget amendment authorizing purchase of a dealer-stock fire engine to replace a 2002 apparatus that city staff said is reaching the end of its serviceable life.
Fire and fleet staff described repeated mechanical failures and difficulty sourcing parts for the 2002 vehicle and told the council the department had spent nearly $100,000 in the last four years to keep it operational. Staff also cited National Fire Protection Association guidance on apparatus life: "...the National Fire Protection Association recommendations of a maximum lifespan of 25 years for a fire apparatus," a staff presenter said.
Because lead times for new, custom-built fire apparatus are currently three to four years, staff proposed purchasing a dealer-stock unit already ordered by a dealer. Staff said the stock unit reduced engineering time and saved about $200,000 compared with ordering a new custom vehicle; the budget amendment included $1,100,000 from the vehicle replacement fund (VERF) and staff said no additional transfer from the general fund was needed at this time.
Council members asked whether a stock engine is a new vehicle (answer: yes), expected service life (staff hoped for 15—25 years), and how surplus of the replaced vehicle would be handled (staff described normal surplus policy). A motion to approve the ordinance revising the annual budget (budget amendment #8, fire engine purchase) was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.
The approved purchase is conditioned by procurement practices and standard surplus procedures for the old apparatus.
