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West Bath board authorizes fire chief to explore buying used squad truck to replace 2005 vehicle
Summary
The board authorized Fire Chief Bean to search for a used commercial-chassis squad truck to replace the department’s 2005 unit, citing repeated mechanical problems and a capital reserve of more than $100,000 that could fund a purchase; the board did not record a vote tally in the transcript.
The West Bath Select Board authorized Fire Chief Bean to research and pursue the purchase of a used squad truck to replace a 2005 apparatus that the chief said has had repeated mechanical problems and corrosion.
Chief Bean told the board the current vehicle is not large enough for some rescues and forces crews to don cold-water suits outside; he said the market for used, serviceable commercial-chassis apparatus is active and that the town’s fire capital reserve holds "over 100,000," which could be used toward a purchase. "We can get a lot more bang for our buck with a used piece of apparatus," Bean said.
Board members discussed target model years and durability; Chief Bean said a replacement in the roughly 2008–2012 range on a commercial chassis would be preferable and that mileage and chassis type matter more than exact model year. The chief estimated suitable used vehicles could be found in the "30 to $75,000" range and said the department would personalize a vehicle as needed. "It's a truck that... it's been pretty good the last couple years, but since it was new, we have had a lot of problems," Bean said of the 2005 unit.
A select board member moved to authorize Chief Bean to explore purchasing a new or replacement vehicle and to pay for it out of the fire department’s capital expense account; another member seconded the motion. The transcript does not include a recorded vote tally or a formal outcome; the motion text and second are on the record.
The discussion emphasized the need to act quickly if a desirable used vehicle appears on the market: several members said past opportunities were missed because the town could not move rapidly. The board and chief agreed to pursue available options and return with recommendations and cost estimates for formal approval.
Next steps: Chief Bean will search the used-equipment market, report findings to the board and, if a purchase is recommended, present formal costs and a purchase plan to the board for an affirmative vote.
