Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Murrieta council approves $900K brush truck to replace 21-year-old apparatus
Summary
The council unanimously approved a purchase of a Type 3 brush truck to replace an aging vehicle, funding the purchase from Measure T vehicle replacement allocations and approving appropriation at time of delivery. The new rig is estimated to cost roughly $900,000 including upfits and contingency.
Murrieta’s City Council voted unanimously March 17 to authorize the purchase of a Type 3 brush (wildland) truck to replace a vehicle that staff said has reached the end of its service life.
Division Chief David Perez and fire department staff told the council the truck will be obtained through a cooperative purchasing contract and upfitted with radios and specialty equipment. Staff presented a total estimated cost of roughly $900,000 (base vehicle plus about $123,000 for upfitting and a contingency), and said funding would come from the Measure T vehicle replacement allocation into the fleet replacement fund, with the full appropriation to be established in the fiscal year the truck is delivered.
Council members pressed staff on fleet readiness and mutual-aid implications. Councilwoman Warren confirmed the city would retain multiple brush rigs, with one vehicle being state-owned and available under mutual-aid. Mayor Pro Holiday asked about fuel and service life; staff said the new apparatus will be diesel and that industry-wide price and lead-time pressures have pushed vehicles into multi-year delivery schedules. Chief Perez explained the department cross-staffs brush rigs from nearby engines to ensure vehicles receive regular maintenance and training use.
The council made the motion to approve staff recommendations and authorize the city manager to execute procurement documents; the motion carried 5-0.
The city will appropriate the budget in the year the truck is scheduled for delivery and continue to use fleet replacement funds and Measure T allocations for the purchase. Staff said grants for high-dollar apparatus had been exhausted and that the market for specialized fire apparatus is concentrated, contributing to rising prices and long lead times.
The measure does not change ongoing mutual-aid arrangements or the city’s obligations under state master mutual-aid agreements; staff said the state reimburses jurisdictions for apparatus and personnel when vehicles are deployed under mutual-aid.
