Boscawen officials begin planning replacement of 25‑year‑old fire engine, weigh financing and procurement options

Fire Chief Tim Kenney told the Boscawen Select Board on June 10 that the town’s primary fire engine is about 25 years old and that replacement planning should begin now. “The truck was estimated to cost around $1,000,000,” Kenney said, adding manufacturers have quoted a lead time of about three years and he expects costs to rise approximately 8 percent per year if the town delays.

Kenney said Lakes Region Fire Apparatus met with him and Finance Director Kate Merrill to review specifications, financing, warranties and maintenance options. He noted Lakes Region currently performs maintenance on the town’s apparatus and has certified mechanics and raised the question of whether the town could sole‑source certain services through that vendor while still meeting competitive‑procurement requirements.

Board members discussed funding approaches. Kenney outlined a plan to use the Fire Truck Capital Reserve Fund to secure a chassis now and then return to voters for final funding once a firm price is confirmed. Selectwoman Lorrie Carey said she favored securing the chassis sooner rather than risking higher future costs. Town Administrator Katie Phelps asked about precedents for signing a contract before all funding is secured; Kenney said contract language and contingencies would be clarified before any commitment.

The board did not take a final vote; Chief Kenney said he would continue meetings with vendors to refine specs, warranties and financing and bring more definitive figures back to the Select Board for future action.