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Boscawen officials weigh $1 million fire engine purchase as prices climb
Summary
Chief Tim Kenny told the Select Board a new front‑line fire engine will likely cost about $1 million, with manufacturers’ lead times of about three years and an 8% annual price escalation; the board asked staff to pursue cost estimates and procurement options.
Boscawen — The town’s fire chief outlined options for replacing the department’s aging engine on June 10, warning that manufacturer lead times, rising prices and funding rules make timing critical. "Right now...he’s estimating somewhere around a million dollars," Chief Tim Kenny said, adding that manufacturers are projecting roughly 8% compounded price growth year‑over‑year.
Kenny told the select board the typical build queue can put a vehicle three years out from order to delivery. He said the department would likely need roughly $400,000–$600,000 up front to purchase a chassis and hold a place in the build sequence, and noted vendors offer lease‑purchase, dealer financing or loan options.
Why it matters: the town’s primary engine is more than two decades old and — per industry guidance cited by the chief — is approaching recommended replacement time. Kenny said Primex lists the truck as in the "red," meaning the insurer will not replace it at full replacement cost if totaled.
Board members and staff discussed alternatives, including buying a used or demo apparatus, trading in the current engine, and soliciting competitive bids through third‑party cooperative procurement. "You can shop all over the country," Kenny said when asked about used trucks; he cautioned that pump size and water capacity vary, and used vehicles may not meet the town’s 1,500‑gallon‑per‑minute pump and 1,000‑gallon water requirement.
Next steps: Chief Kenny said he will meet dealers to firm up specifications and pricing and will report back with formal estimates and financing options before the board considers a formal appropriation or warrant article. The board did not take formal action on procurement at the June 10 meeting.
