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Middletown fire officials press for a $1 million engine order, consider in-house mechanic to curb rising repair costs
Summary
Chief Albert told the commission the city should order a new engine now to avoid rising repair costs for aging apparatus and proposed hiring an in-house mechanic or sharing one with City Yard; he also outlined $375,000 in ARPA funds earmarked for a training building and a Gordian feasibility review.
Middletown's fire chief urged commissioners on July 15 to plan now for apparatus replacement and to consider an in-house mechanic after reporting mounting repair bills for older vehicles.
Chief Albert said a new fire engine costs about $1,000,000 and the build time is roughly 850 days, arguing that ordering now locks in prices and avoids escalation. He said Engine 3, a 10-year-old unit, logged about 10,695 miles and 1,781 runs last year and cost roughly $31,000 in repairs during the year, figures he uses to justify replacement rather than continued maintenance.
"When we start getting up there in the...$34 per mile just to keep that engine on the road," Albert said, noting maintenance, fuel and manpower add to lifecycle cost. He suggested pursuing a community block grant to cover part of a replacement and said he would discuss bonding options with the mayor and finance staff.
The chief also reported $375,000 in ARPA funds earmarked for a training building; a representative from Draeger will review specifications and pricing, and Gordian Group has been invited to advise on procurement to avoid extended bidding delays and to allow construction before winter.
Separately, Albert proposed hiring a dedicated mechanic within the department or sharing one at City Yard to minimize multiday downtime for what he described as minor, quick repairs (starters, batteries, O-rings). He said City Yard mechanics handle staff vehicles but are not certified to perform many specialized fire-apparatus repairs, forcing trips to Waterford that generate overtime and lengthy turnaround.
Council members asked for clarification about current practices and certifications; the chief said he will continue discussions with the mayor and Public Works leadership about staffing and whether to bring maintenance back in-house.
The commission took no final votes on fleet replacement, bonding or mechanic hires at the meeting; the chief said he will return with more data and cost projections at a future session.
