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Woodbridge boards approve purchase of aerial fire apparatus capped at $1.9 million
Summary
The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance approved waiving competitive bids to buy a ladder fire truck with a purchase cap of $1.9 million; financing terms will be presented at a joint meeting on Jan. 29, 2026.
The Town of Woodbridge’s Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance voted Jan. 20 to approve the purchase of an aerial fire apparatus — commonly called a ladder truck — with the purchase price capped at $1.9 million.
First Selectman Mica Cardozo asked the Selectmen to waive the town’s competitive-bid process so staff could secure the vehicle more quickly and at a lower cost, and the Board of Selectmen voted in favor with First Selectman Mica Cardozo and members Steve Munno, Maria Madonick, Amey Marella, Andrea Urbano and Lauren Francese recorded as voting aye. Fire Chief Sean Rowland was present to answer follow-up questions on the previously presented proposal.
On the Board of Finance side, Chairman Donavon Lofters moved to approve the purchase with Beth Heller seconding; the Board of Finance vote recorded ayes from Lofters, Heller, Tom Handler and Scott Prud’homme. Both bodies’ motions capped the purchase at $1.9 million and specified that any additional equipment needed would be funded by sale of the current vehicle.
The record notes that a recommendation and authorization to finance the purchase will be presented after financing rates are secured; officials scheduled a vote on financing for a joint BOS/BOF meeting on Jan. 29, 2026. The town’s Administrative Officer and Finance Director, Anthony Genovese, is listed as the contact who will present financing options.
No public comment was recorded on the purchase during the Jan. 20 meeting. The approvals on Jan. 20 authorize staff to move forward with the acquisition but do not finalize borrowing terms, which the boards said they will review once interest rates and financing proposals are available.
