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Board approves $400,000 plan to refurbish aging fire engines rather than buy a new rescue/ladder unit
Summary
The Fire Chief proposed using nonreverting funds to refurbish older engines (estimated about $400,000) to extend fleet life amid delivery delays for new apparatus; the board approved the plan and asked for final sale-price reporting for retired units.
The Renewal Board approved a plan to direct nonreverting funds toward refurbishment of the city’s older fire engines rather than purchase a new combined rescue/ladder truck.
The Fire Chief said the city currently operates a 2018 heavy rescue unit and several backup engines; supply‑chain delays and increased costs for new apparatus make refurbishment an attractive, lower‑cost option. Preliminary estimates presented to the board put the cost of refurbishing two to three engines at roughly $400,000, with work recommendations including engines, drivetrains and other lifecycle repairs. The chief said refurbishing could “elongate the longevity of our fleet” and provide more reliable apparatus in the near term.
Board members asked about resale markets and how the city would handle proceeds from any sale of replaced equipment. The chief said staff would return with final sale prices for disposed units. The board moved and approved the funding direction, with the expectation staff will report detailed estimates and contracts before major expenditures.
