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Morrison board approves fire hose purchase and authorizes plan to finance $685,000 engine
Summary
The Town of Morrison board accepted a $3,500 quote for a fire-hose tester, tabled a dispatch-software purchase, and voted to pursue purchase and financing for a $685,000 fire engine, noting about $214,000 in ARPA funds could be applied to the purchase.
Morrison Fire Chief Aaron Roberts told the Town of Morrison Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Aug. 5 that “a ladder, in the amount of $330.00, has been ordered” and presented a $3,500 quote from Safe Industries for a fire-hose tester.
Alderman Jeannine Miller moved to accept the Safe Industries quote; Alderman Sue Jones seconded and the motion passed with all ayes. Assistant Fire Chief Jason Blalock told the board that SCBA flow tests are mandatory and that he will obtain a quote for that testing for the record.
Blalock said the department is considering replacing its Active911 dispatch software with Fire Boss, with an estimated annual subscription cost of approximately $1,800. After discussion about compatibility with the E-911 system and other questions, Alderman Donald Miller moved to table the Fire Boss purchase pending more information; Alderman Sue Jones seconded and the motion passed with all ayes.
Blalock then updated the board on plans to replace Engine 2. He said Deep South Fire Company has a truck that fits the department’s needs; an identical vehicle will be available in October for $685,000, and the vendor requested a $290,000 down payment. Blalock said additional equipment needed to outfit the new truck — including large-diameter hose (LDH) — would be separate purchases and estimated at about $30,000.
Mayor Sue Anderson told the board approximately $214,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used toward the purchase but emphasized the town would need to borrow funds and/or secure grants for the balance. Alderman Jeannine Miller moved to purchase the fire truck with the needed additional equipment and to look into securing financing for the purchase; Alderman Sue Jones seconded and the motion passed with all ayes.
After the vote Alderman Sue Jones asked what steps would be taken to secure the truck. Board members discussed options, including whether Deep South Fire Company would accept roughly $214,000 in ARPA funds in lieu of the $290,000 down payment; Blalock said he would check with the company.
Next steps: staff will seek vendor confirmation on down-payment flexibility, collect required quotes for mandatory SCBA flow testing, and pursue financing options for the truck. No timetable was specified in the meeting minutes for when the purchase would be finalized or when loan/grant applications would be submitted.
