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Fire chief cites rising truck costs, includes $1.29 million first-out truck in capital request
Summary
Fire Chief Gentle told commissioners the department requested a new fire truck and air packs; the chief said refurbishing costs about $500,000 but would not replace engine/transmission components, and the new 'first-out' truck currently costs about $1.29 million.
Fire Chief Gentle told commissioners the department included air packs and a new engine in its capital requests and warned truck costs have risen sharply.
The chief said the department applied for an Airpack grant but included the air packs in the capital budget if the grant is not awarded. He said the cost for a new 'first-out' truck is currently about $1.29 million and that the truck takes about 35 months to build; the town could plan a phased purchase. On refurbishing, Chief Gentle said a refurbished truck costs about $500,000 but typically does not replace engine, transmission or pump systems.
Chief Gentle also cited difficulty recruiting volunteer firefighters and described investments in communications (VIPER radios) to maintain interoperability countywide. He said the department planned to pursue a grant to buy a tornado siren for about $55,000 that would have roughly an eight-mile coverage area.
Commissioners asked staff to evaluate refurbishment versus new purchase timelines and financing options and to identify potential grants.
