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Commission approves purchase of ladder truck and pumper after safety and cost discussion
Summary
The commission approved buying a used 105‑foot ladder truck for $75,000 (with estimated $10,000–$15,000 in repairs) and a 2016 pumper for $265,000 after staff described inspection findings and Sourcewell pricing; the ladder truck vote was 20‑3 with one abstention and the pumper passed by roll call.
Lincoln County commissioners approved two separate purchases of fire apparatus at their March 17 meeting: a used ladder truck for $75,000 and a pumper truck quoted at $265,000 through a Sourcewell contract.
EMA/fire staff presented inspection findings performed by Brindley Mountain (TDOT assessment) showing 60 total deficiencies on the ladder truck, four of them called major (front shocks, a hydraulic generator, a missing motor for the ladder nozzle and a transmission seal). Staff estimated $10,000–$15,000 would address the major deficiencies and the vendor would perform a certified pump and ladder test as part of the purchase and refurbishment.
Supporters argued the ladder’s reach (105 feet) and condition made it a valuable addition, noting it was acquired from the State Fire School and has limited road hours. Some commissioners questioned the truck’s age (purchased new in 2000) and potential long‑term maintenance costs; one commissioner abstained on the vote citing age concerns. The ladder purchase passed on roll call with the meeting record showing 20 in favor, three opposed and one abstention.
For the pumper, staff explained a lower final price via the Sourcewell cooperative contract (reduced from an earlier $279,000 listing to $265,000) and that the vehicle would fit existing station bay dimensions, avoiding new construction. Commissioners approved the pumper by roll call (meeting record indicated 23 in favor, 1 opposed). Finance staff noted the $75,000 ladder acquisition would be paid from the economic development restricted account rather than fund balance.
Both purchases were approved as described; commissioners recorded conditions and expectations for post‑purchase inspections and follow‑up maintenance.
