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Commissioners reject immediate purchase of used fire engine after split vote
Summary
After debate over response reliability and budget risk, the Bradford County commission voted 2–3 against buying an available fire engine off the lot; the chief had argued the purchase could be offset by contingency, core opioid funds and a trade-in estimate.
Fire Rescue Chief Carlos asked the board to approve purchase of an available Hillbourn Springs fire engine to replace a 2013 apparatus that has required repeated costly repairs. The chief said the vehicle is on site and ready for delivery, while a new build would take roughly 16 months. "We spent over $7,000,000 dollars worth of repairs to this apparatus over the past year or two," Chief Carlos said, urging purchase while the unit was available.
Chief Carlos outlined possible offsets: approximately $158,000 in core opioid-abatement funding under consideration, an estimated trade-in around $100,000 and contingency funding already in his budget. He cautioned, however, that the opioid-related grant approval by DCF was not final. "There is no guarantee that that funding is coming," he said.
Commissioners expressed divergent views. Supporters argued immediate purchase would ensure reliable response capability; opponents warned the county should use existing trucks and avoid large one-time expenditures while revenue and state funding remain uncertain. Commissioner Andrews moved to proceed with the on-the-lot purchase and Commissioner Reddy seconded. After debate the board recorded two ayes and three nays and the motion failed.
The chief said staff will continue to monitor funding opportunities and report back; no further formal action was taken at the meeting.
