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Corunna fire department outlines options for new engine, estimates $500K+ need
Summary
Fire department representatives reported 15 calls in October and described options for replacing aging apparatus, weighing a $550,000 stock truck versus a $700,000+ custom build. Funding options include department reserves, township pledges and limited grant prospects.
The Corunna Fire Department reported 15 calls in October and outlined a multi‑year plan to replace aging apparatus, including engineering and budget tradeoffs. Eric, speaking for the department, said the call mix included a structure fire and other varied responses and summarized the capital question facing the department.
"For a new stock truck, you're looking at about $550,000," Eric said, adding that a custom‑designed engine could approach $700,000 or more. Board members discussed the relative merits of a stock chassis versus a longer spec process for a custom truck and agreed a committee would compare vendor specifications to produce a concise comparison for decisionmakers.
Funding conversations centered on a mix of sources. Eric said the department plans to pledge money raised from fundraisers, noted township pledges from Richland and Fairfield, and warned that FEMA grants are highly competitive and include resale restrictions that can prevent selling an apparatus for fire department use if procured through FEMA. Board members estimated the department could aim to hold roughly $500,000 toward the purchase and finance any remaining balance.
The board also discussed transferring high‑value equipment (SCBAs, hydraulic rescue tools, ladders) from an older engine to a replacement where NFPA standards allow and inventory items that need replacement (hose and couplings). Members flagged the long horizon for fleet replacement — Engine 43 (2008) will age into long‑term replacement in coming decades — and emphasized the need to plan for several large capital investments rather than a single purchase.
Next steps included continued committee work on specifications and vendor quotes and follow‑up on township contributions and grant feasibility. No final purchase decision was made at the meeting.
