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Bethel board votes intent to pursue purchase of new pumper truck, authorizes manager to proceed
Summary
Commissioner Lilly moved and the board approved an "intent to purchase" for a new pumper fire truck not to exceed $525,092 with a $10,000 deposit; funding discussed included up to $150,000 in USDA/commercial loan, a $25,000 Pitt County contribution, a $40,000 State Fire Marshal grant, and proceeds from sale of the old truck.
The Bethel Town Board approved an amended motion expressing the board's intent to purchase a new pumper fire truck, authorizing the town manager to move forward with contracting subject to clarifying language from the town attorney and USDA funding sequencing requirements.
Commissioner Lilly, who the record identifies both as a town commissioner and the fire chief, moved that "the town board authorize the town manager to move forward with the contracting for the purchase of a new pumper slash fire truck for the town. The purchase price of this truck shall not exceed $525,092. With the execution of the contract, the town will pay $10,000 as a deposit with a balance of the purchase price coming due upon the satisfactory delivery of the truck in 16 months." (text of motion as presented in the record).
Under the motion and manager's explanation, the balance of funds to pay for the truck would be sourced from no more than $150,000 in USDA or commercial bank loans, a $25,000 Pitt County grant, a $40,000 State Fire Marshal grant, proceeds from sale of the existing truck (unit 2102), and the town's fund balance for any remaining amount. The manager and other commissioners discussed an alternative illustration in which net cost could be about $450,092 after those contributions.
Several commissioners and a speaker who identified himself as Dean Gallon asked operational and coverage questions: the chief and manager explained that the department serves Bethel's municipal boundaries and the surrounding rural district, receives rural tax funds, and provides mutual aid. Commissioners also discussed insurance and operating costs, and whether costly repairs to the 28-year-old truck (including an estimated $50,000 pump repair) would be sensible compared with replacement—testimony in the record said the old truck is currently out of service and may not pass the next pump test.
A commissioner raised caution about encumbering fund balance given prior contractual commitments (paving, demolition, a study contract) but said the safety implications of a working fire truck weighed in favor of purchase. To preserve eligibility for USDA funding, the manager said the board should adopt intent language rather than execute a final contract until USDA paperwork is secured; the amended "intent to purchase" motion and the final intent motion were approved by voice/raising hands with no recorded opposition.
The board asked the town attorney to review and clarify motion language so the town would not forfeit potential USDA assistance. With the motion carried, staff will proceed with contract steps consistent with the intent motion and applicable grant/loan requirements.
