Middletown authorizes $1.3 million fire apparatus purchase; three-year build expected

The Middletown City Council voted to authorize the purchase of a new fire apparatus priced at $1,299,302 and approved funding transfers to proceed with the procurement.

Chief Brady attended the meeting and described the procurement timeline and payment schedule, saying the vendor expects a three- to three-and-a-half-year build period and that roughly 95% of the contract price is due at delivery with the final 5% payable when the vehicle is placed in service. He told the council that the apparatus is a standard configuration the department has purchased previously, not a specialized unit requiring an unusual chassis.

Council members asked whether change orders or later cost increases were possible; staff responded that no increase was anticipated and that any changes normally would be finalized at the pre-build review with engineers. The council approved the authorization and directed staff to continue procurement and scheduling steps.

The mayor and staff said the city will explore alternative funding options later, but that funding needs to be in place now to secure the quoted price and production slot. The purchase is expected to affect capital budgets and delivery timetables for the fire department; the administration will return with scheduling and financing details as they are finalized.