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Council approves $13.5 million plan to replace aging fire trucks, directs financing
Summary
The council awarded a contract to buy six engines and two ladder trucks and backed staff’s proposed financing approach to lock in current prices and a 10-year warranty; staff said new units are expected to be delivered in 2028 and will reduce long-term maintenance costs.
The Amarillo City Council voted to award a contract to Safe Industries to buy eight pieces of fire apparatus — six engines and two ladder trucks — and directed staff to proceed with financing steps to lock the current price and capture available purchase discounts.
Fire Department officials and outside financial advisers told the council that many frontline engines will reach or exceed 10 years of service by the time new apparatus arrive and that a 10-year replacement cycle will reduce repair and ownership costs. Staff requested approval to place the order and pursue a public financing plan (PPFC) that would fund the purchase while avoiding a projected industry price increase the vendor said could add roughly $400,000 if the order were delayed.
Chief and fleet staff said the selected vendor (E1 apparatus through Safe Industries) provided strong quality-control processes, competitive pricing, and a warranty/reimbursement program that would allow the city to perform warranty work locally and receive reimbursement. The purchase includes a comprehensive 10-year warranty (excluding wear items) and vendor support to lower long-term operating costs.
Council vote and next steps: Council approved the award and asked staff to proceed with the debt-issuance process and to include the purchase on the financing schedule discussed earlier (competitive bid schedule and bond/PPFC structuring). Staff expects delivery in roughly three years from order date and will apply for any available prepayment discount by issuing a purchase order on schedule.
Why it matters: Staff estimated that the storm of aging units will create operational risk if not addressed; replacing the oldest frontline units is intended to improve reliability, reduce maintenance expenditures, and improve firefighter and public safety.
Sources: Fire Chief and fleet presentation; Specialized Public Finance advisers; Safe Industries representative (vendor).
