New Bremen council declares emergency to buy $1.34 million rescue pumper, votes 5-0

New Bremen — The Village of New Bremen on Feb. 23 declared an emergency and voted unanimously to buy a Pierce Enforcer PUC rescue pumper to replace a 2003 pumper and a 2001 heavy rescue with a single apparatus.

Council discussed a manufacturer quote of $1,398,187 and a $60,000 savings if the village makes a 50% down payment when ordering, bringing the anticipated cost to $1,338,187. The village will pay 75% and German Township will pay 25% of the purchase price, Village officials said. Lead time for the apparatus is 28–30 months.

Councilman Larger moved to suspend the rules so the council could act immediately; Bertke seconded and the motion carried, five ayes. Burnell moved to adopt Emergency Resolution 2026-02-02 to authorize the purchase; Condon seconded and the resolution passed by a 5–0 vote. The minutes record the procedural motions and the vote totals but do not specify the funding source or whether the village will finance the purchase or use reserves.

The emergency declaration was framed by council as a step to secure current pricing from the manufacturer; the minutes say passing the resolution was intended to lock in the quoted price and savings available with the suggested down payment. The record does not include any direct public comment on the purchase, nor does it identify a finalized payment method.

Next steps: with the resolution adopted, the village may proceed with ordering the apparatus and providing the recommended down payment to preserve the price. The truck’s 28–30 month delivery timeline means it will not be available for immediate service.