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Dickinson County to match Chapman's purchase of rescue truck for District 3, county share capped at $30,000
Summary
After hearing that Rescue District 3 lacks space and off-road capability for technical rescues, the Dickinson County Commission authorized a one-time county contribution equal to 50% of a rescue truck purchase, not to exceed $30,000, and asked staff to draft terms outlining maintenance and operational responsibility.
The Dickinson County Commission voted March 5 to contribute up to $30,000 toward the purchase of a smaller four-wheel-drive rescue truck for Rescue District 3, a partnership intended to improve off-road extrication and technical-rescue capacity in the county's northeast corner.
Chief Nick Santo of the Chapman Fire Department told commissioners the department took over rescue responsibilities for the district two years ago and that rescue gear placed on a structure engine "wasn't designed to carry all that extra" and "we've run out of room." He said the district logged 57 rescue calls last year and that many incidents occur off-road or on county highways, where the large structure engines have limited access.
Santo presented a market example priced at about $55,000 and said the vehicle comes with a set of rescue tools worth about $10,000. He said the department can borrow roughly $30,000 against its firefighters' relief/retirement fund (FRA) and asked the county for a matching contribution to fill the gap: "So, I guess ultimately in the end, I can get 30,000. So, I'm asking for a maximum match from the county of of 30,000."
County staff noted an available all-hazard equipment fund with an approximate balance of $181,000 that was established for rescue-equipment purchases. Amber Piper, the county's 911 director, and county finance staff said the fund has budget authority and that using it for a rescue truck would not require a midyear budget increase; staff also said they would work with the fire department to pursue grant funds that become available in April to help offset costs.
Commissioners moved to "enter this agreement toward the purchase of that rescue truck for District 3" with a 50/50 split and a county one-time contribution not to exceed $30,000; the motion carried in voice vote. Commissioners directed staff to document the arrangement, including that the Chapman Fire Department will manage maintenance, insurance and annual tool certification while the county provides the one-time purchase contribution.
The decision was framed as a regional public-safety investment: commissioners and fire chiefs noted mutual-aid responses across township and neighboring-county boundaries, and said a smaller four-wheel-drive unit would provide coverage where bigger trucks cannot safely operate. The county will pursue available grants and reimbursement opportunities identified by staff to replenish the all-hazard equipment fund if awarded.
The commission did not name the vendor or sign a purchase contract at the meeting; the approval authorized the county contribution and asked staff to finalize terms and a memorandum of understanding with the Chapman Fire Department ahead of purchase.
