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Fire chief’s report warns city pumper may need $140,000 replacement within two years; council pauses Public Safety spending
Summary
Fire Department representative told the council the department's 34-year-old pumper is reaching end of life and estimated replacement at about $140,000; council voted to refrain from spending additional Public Safety grant funds until the August meeting while awaiting grant decisions.
The Brownsville Fire Department reported equipment needs that a council member said could require major capital spending in the near term.
Brandon Frank (recorded as affiliated with Brownsville Fire Department) gave a written report saying the department must dispose of expired SCBA cylinders and replace turnout gear. He told the council the current pumper is 34 years old, has failing components and limited availability of replacement parts, and likely will need to be replaced within two years at an estimated cost of $140,000.
Council members discussed options for funding future apparatus needs, including levying or borrowing when a replacement is required. Bill Fitzpatrick and others noted the department had received various grants in the past but those sources are not reliable for long-term capital needs.
Pam Walhovd moved and Barb Hurley seconded a motion to refrain from spending any additional Public Safety grant funds until the August meeting, pending further information from Dairyland Power and other potential funders; the motion passed. The council did not authorize immediate capital expenditures and recorded no specific funding plan at the July meeting.
The fire department asked the council whether it prefers to levy for future needs or to borrow as needs arise; council members did not reach a final decision. No procurement or contract actions were recorded at the meeting.
