Wixom authorizes $1.21M replacement of Engine 11; delivery expected 30'2 months

The Wixom City Council voted Dec. 16 to authorize purchase of a replacement for Fire Engine 11 for $1,212,394 using cooperative procurement under Sourcewell from Apollo Fire Apparatus/Seagrave.

Fire Chief Gishling told the council Engine 11, originally purchased in 2006 and delivered in 2007, is the department's workhorse and has experienced drivetrain and emissions-related outages in the past year. The replacement truck carries 750 gallons of water and serves responses to vehicle accidents, structure alarms, carbon-monoxide incidents and similar calls. Staff said the procurement uses the Sourcewell cooperative and the manufacturer will begin building after a signed purchase order; payment is expected to come from the 2028-29 capital budget at delivery.

Council members asked whether the quoted price is locked for the build timeline and whether any down payment would be required; staff said price is locked and the vendor does not require payment up front but the terms include a clause allowing up to a 5% adjustment if materials rise more than 5%, though staff said they had been assured that would not be invoked. Council asked about coverage when the engine is out of service and about potential resale/auction value for the old apparatus; staff said coverage would be maintained with other units and that resale value is still being evaluated.

The motion to authorize the purchase passed on a council vote. The department noted the extended build time (30'2 months) was anticipated in the 10-year capital plan, and staff will return with any updates to delivery or cost as they become available.