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Hope Mills resumes multi‑year fire truck replacement, orders two apparatus at estimated $5.5M
Summary
The board authorized resuming a staggered fire truck replacement and approved ordering two apparatus (a pumper and a ladder) at a combined estimated cost of about $5.5 million; manufacturers estimate 36–45 month delivery and debt service would begin in FY2029 under the rotation plan.
Fire department leaders urged the board to restart a previously paused vehicle replacement cycle. Deputy and fire command staff described two priority replacements: a pumper (estimated ~$2 million) and a ladder truck (estimated ~$3.5 million). Manufacturers told staff lead times of about 36–45 months from order to delivery.
Department staff recommended placing an order in spring 2025 to receive vehicles by spring 2028; under the funding rotation the loan payments would begin in fiscal 2029, when older debt rolls off. The plan staggers orders so that two trucks are ordered at five‑year intervals to maintain a steady rotation and avoid a fleet of very old apparatus.
The board voted to authorize placing the order to reestablish the replacement rotation.
Why it matters: Fire apparatus are specialized, have long lead times and large price tags; delaying replacement risks increased maintenance costs and operational risk. The replacement schedule balances cash flow and long-term fleet condition.
Next steps: Staff will place the order and update the capital plan and debt schedule; delivery and debt-service timing will be tracked and included in upcoming budget documents.
