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Kasson council approves purchase of Fouts mini pumper to replace rescue truck
Summary
After reviewing a side-by-side procurement comparison, the council approved purchasing a used Fouts mini pumper with a new warranty, funded from previously budgeted amounts; one council member opposed and the city plans to seek bids to sell the old rescue truck.
The Kasson City Council voted to approve the purchase of a Fouts mini pumper to replace the city’s rescue truck after fire department leaders presented a side-by-side comparison of available options.
Fire Chief (presenting) told the council the mini pumper would provide pump-and-water capability comparable to current engines in a smaller, more mobile package while carrying extrication equipment. The department recommended purchasing the demonstrator Fouts unit because it is a year old, comes at a reduced price and includes a new warranty.
Staff outlined associated equipment costs: roughly $20,000 for small tools to outfit the truck and about $60,000 for extrication equipment; staff presented a rounded total package estimate of about $460,000. The mayor and council noted that money had been put aside for the purchase and that the planned acquisition would not require a tax increase for 2026.
"We kind of pivoted on the tanker discussion to this mini pumper which would replace our rescue truck… giving us another first-line truck that would have water and pump capabilities," the Fire Chief said.
A council member asked about unexpected change orders; staff said the listed outfitting costs were the expected amounts and that the truck would be available sooner than a custom build because it had been a demonstrator vehicle. Council moved and approved the purchase; one council member registered opposition on the record but vote tallies and mover/second names were not recorded in the transcript.
The council also discussed soliciting bids to sell the existing rescue truck and redistributing tools and equipment to cover outfitting costs.
Why this matters: The purchase alters the department’s capital-equipment plan and the mix of first-response vehicles, and the decision relies on a previously budgeted appropriation rather than a tax increase.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with paperwork to acquire the Fouts mini pumper, begin preparations to solicit bids for the rescue truck being retired and finalize outfitting details; the council deferred purchase of some extrication equipment pending additional information.
