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Belmont authorizes staff to pursue Clean Fleets grant and prepare town share for new engine
Summary
The board authorized staff to enter the Granite State Clean Fleets 2025 grant program and to allow named officials to execute grant documents; the grant could cover up to 80% (or $500,000) toward a $847,000 spec fire engine, leaving an estimated town share of $347,000 to be financed or bonded.
Staff updated the Belmont Board of Selectmen that the town's Granite State Clean Fleets grant application advanced through governor and council and is ready to move forward. The grant targets replacement or removal of older diesel vehicles and can cover up to 80% or up to $500,000 for eligible equipment.
Committee member (speaker 1) described a local vendor (HME) offering a spec engine priced at $847,000 and said, "So we would only be asking the town for 347,000." Board members discussed funding options, including financing versus raising taxes or bonding, and noted the town must ensure other planned purchases (ambulances, SCBAs) and existing fund obligations are considered.
The board voted to authorize the town of Belmont and Assistant Fire Chief Don Pickowitz to enter the Granite State Clean Fleets 2025 grant program and empowered Chair Ruth Mooney and Assistant Fire Chief Don Pickowitz to execute necessary grant documents. The motion passed on a voice vote.
The board directed staff to refine financing options and, if appropriate, prepare a warrant article or ballot language to secure local matching funds.
