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Shiocton board approves $50,000 from range fund to help buy fire equipment truck
Summary
The Village of Shiocton voted to contribute $50,000 from its range account to help purchase a used equipment truck for the fire department, matching a $50,000 ARPA offer from Bovina; the board authorized the chief to pursue bidding or purchase ahead of an auction ending Dec. 2.
The Village Board of Trustees of the Village of Shiocton voted to contribute $50,000 from the village's range fund to help purchase a replacement equipment truck for the volunteer fire department.
The decision came during a special meeting Nov. 21 in which board members heard that the department's current equipment truck (a 1995 vehicle) is unreliable and that a 2011 Ram 5500 with 4,000 miles and a pump is available via auction. Officials said the auction has a minimum bid of $150,000, the seller will offer it for direct purchase if bidding fails, and an outright quote was about $199,000; by contrast a new truck was estimated near $300,000 and adding a pump to a new chassis could add roughly $100,000.
Why it mattered: the Fire Department has $60,000 already set aside for a truck, and representatives said Bovina would contribute $50,000 in remaining ARPA funds if Shiocton also put up $50,000. Without Shiocton's match, officials said Bovina would reallocate its funds to street work. The board's contribution reduces financing needs, which officials said could allow the loan balance to be paid from the fire budget within roughly three years.
Board discussion focused on cost, reliability and timing. Trustee Tyler questioned whether a 14-year-old used truck would be reliable. Trustees Woods and Brownson said the engine appeared sound and the vehicle would meet the department's needs. Chief Dan Nabbefeld explained that a new chassis without a pump would require a substantial additional cost to equip it and that the commission had authorized him to pursue a truck purchase.
After discussion Trustee Gomm moved and Trustee Dawes seconded a motion to contribute $50,000 from the range fund toward replacing the equipment truck; the motion carried.
Next steps: board members said the chief and committee may bid at the auction, pursue an outright purchase if the auction does not meet its reserve, or order a new truck if the used option falls through. The auction is scheduled to end Dec. 2; the board did not record a formal roll-call tally in the minutes but recorded the motion as passed (M/S/P Gomm/Dawes).
