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Select Board authorizes RFP for a new fire utility truck and approves sale of old engine to Athens
Summary
The Norridgewock Select Board agreed to issue an RFP for a replacement fire utility truck (dealer-supplied service body preferred) and authorized selling old Engine 22 to the Town of Athens for $22,000, with $1,740 in repairs to be deducted and proceeds placed into the equipment account.
The Select Board voted to put a new RFP on the street for a replacement utility pickup for the fire department and approved selling its older engine to a neighboring department.
The board approved staff’s recommendation to request proposals for a cab-and-chassis with a dealer-installed service body rather than attempting to fit a separately purchased aluminum body on an existing chassis, citing warranty, fit and safety concerns. Town Manager emphasized that buying the truck and body as a single package reduces the risk and the burden on town staff to make field modifications and wiring changes.
Why it matters: The procurement approach shifts risk to dealers through warranties and aims to ensure the vehicle meets payload and towing requirements for the department’s rescue trailer and new equipment. Staff estimated a new, upfitted truck (including lights, radios and graphics) in the general $80,000–$100,000 range depending on options; exact bids will determine the final cost.
Board members questioned whether it was more cost-effective to repair the existing 25-year-old pickup. Members pressed staff on resale value of the existing aluminum body, the frequency of repairs, and the availability of grants for vehicles. Town Manager said federal grants are sometimes available for fire apparatus but are hard to secure and usually apply to larger engines, not utility trucks.
On the related vehicle transaction, the board approved a staff recommendation to accept a written offer from the Town of Athens to buy Engine 22 for $22,000. Staff reported the vehicle failed a vacuum portion of a pump test, required four or five valve-seal repairs and winterization work costing $1,740. "I'm asking you to accept their offer of $22,000," the Town Manager said, noting the repair bill and that net proceeds will be returned to the equipment account to fund future purchases.
The board instructed staff to send the RFP to local dealers and return with bids and a recommendation in a future meeting; the Bigalow Hill paving and other capital priorities remain in the town’s ten-year plan.
Next steps: the RFP will be issued to dealers (staff said pre-bid communications are scheduled), bids will be reviewed at a future meeting, and the sale of Engine 22 will be handled directly with Athens per the board’s authorization.
