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County approves Title 3 funds for volunteer fire engine, requires three bids and procurement compliance
Summary
The board approved use of Title 3 funds—about $136,316—to build a wildland firefighting engine for the Trigo/Trego Fortein volunteer fire department, but required county procurement rules (three bids for items over $80,000) be followed and noted funds must be expended by September.
The Lincoln County commissioners voted May 21 to approve Title 3 funding for a wildland firefighting engine for the Trigo (Trego) Fortein volunteer fire department at an estimated project cost of $136,316.
Commissioners discussed procurement and compliance with federal procurement rules and county policy. A commissioner said purchases over $80,000 require three bids for both the skid assembly and the truck chassis; the board asked staff and the finance officer to ensure bidding documents, bid solicitation and award comply with county procurement policy and federal requirements because Title 3 funds are federal in origin. A volunteer fire representative noted comparable new engines are backordered and can exceed $200,000 on the open market, which the board cited as one reason to pursue a build and assemble approach.
The board also discussed the project timeline and confirmed that funds must be expended by September. The board voted to approve the Title 3 request on condition that required bids be obtained and finance procedures be followed.
What’s next: Fire department and procurement staff to solicit at least three bids for required components, confirm compliance with finance officer Wendy, and proceed with purchase and assembly if bids meet policy requirements.
