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Corunna and neighboring townships outline $500,000 down payment plan for replacement fire engine
Summary
Town officials reviewed a proposal to join a consortium purchase and a proposed interlocal agreement to fund a replacement fire engine. Partners pledged a $500,000 down payment (Richland $200,000; Corunna Fire Department $280,000; Fairfield $30,000); a motion to advance a resolution was made and seconded, but no roll call was recorded in the transcript.
Corunna officials and the local fire department reviewed a plan to replace a 30‑plus year‑old fire engine and proposed an interlocal purchase to accelerate procurement and avoid a local bidding process. The group cited a 24‑month lead time and urged timely commitment to avoid price increases.
The fire department representative told the board the procurement would use an existing cooperative purchasing source to skip a three‑ or four‑month bid posting and noted two vendor quotes already on hand. The speaker said a 24‑month lead time means the town likely would not owe payment until 2027 or 2028, but a $500,000 down payment is expected to be collected in January 2026 if the purchase proceeds.
The proposed funding split presented to the board allocated $200,000 from Richland Township, $280,000 from the Corunna Fire Department, and $30,000 from Fairfield Township, for a total $500,000 down payment. The fire department representative said any remaining balance ‘‘not to exceed $200,000’’ would be financed or otherwise covered by the town upon delivery; the department outlined plans to reduce the town’s share through fundraising and partner contributions over the two‑year lead time.
Officials warned of price pressure: the speaker said vendor pricing rises regularly and delaying action past a January deadline could add roughly $10,000 to the purchase price. The speaker also emphasized transparency: the committee will compare bids from two vendors and report full dollar figures and rationale for vendor selection to the board.
Pam reported Richland Township plans to sign a resolution at its Dec. 22 board meeting to formalize its commitment. A board member then moved to advance the proposed resolution authorizing the interlocal agreement and purchase; another member seconded the motion. The transcript does not record a roll‑call vote or a final adopted motion on the record.
Board members discussed the implications if a future fire district were formed, and participants said currently the town retains ownership of its apparatus and a newly formed district would have to purchase equipment from the town if it wanted to move it. The discussion closed with a community fundraiser announcement and the meeting moved on to other town business.
Next steps: Richland’s resolution signing is scheduled for Dec. 22, and town staff said they will continue discussions with Fairfield Township and pursue fundraising to lower the town’s eventual loan obligation. The transcript contains no recorded final vote on the resolution during this meeting.
