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Daniels County weighs options to replace aging fire truck and considers a used 2008 Ford brush truck
Summary
Commissioners reviewed repeated breakdowns of the county's roughly 1974 fire truck and discussed options including purchasing a fully equipped 2008 Ford brush truck listed for about $45,000, state surplus transfers, low-interest loans and converting fuel trailers to water tenders.
Daniels County commissioners devoted substantial discussion to the county’s aging firefighting apparatus, describing repeated breakdowns of a 1974 truck and exploring options including state surplus units, low-interest loans and a used 2008 Ford brush truck listed for about $45,000.
A commissioner said the older truck had missed calls because of mechanical failures and that parts are increasingly difficult to obtain. "It's getting undependable," the commissioner said, noting recent fuel-pump and fuel-injector failures on multiple vehicles and that the 1974 unit is roughly 50 years old.
The commission flagged one used option: a 2008 Ford 4x4 super-cab brush truck advertised as fully equipped for about $45,000 with approximately 24,500 miles. Commissioners discussed whether it would fit in the fire hall, modification costs to install lights and sirens, and whether the county should pursue an intercap or low-interest loan through regional organizations to finance a purchase.
They also discussed other surplus and grant-funded vehicles (including transfers of Stonegarden-funded units) and the constraints those programs can place on repurposing equipment. Commissioners noted that transfers between government entities are possible but require valuation and paperwork. The board considered converting a fuel tanker trailer (about 7,000 gallons) to a water tender but recognized the need for winterization and additional equipment and a suitable tractor to tow it.
The board asked staff to: (1) check dimensions and availability for the 2008 Ford truck; (2) investigate financing options including state intercap loans and local grant programs; and (3) assess whether surplus or transferred vehicles might be repurposed for county needs. No formal procurement decision was made; commissioners agreed to report back with measurements, availability and financing options.
