Epping budget committee backs replacement for 'Car 3' and approves research into electric-fire vehicle options

The Epping Budget Committee voted May 13 to recommend that the Select Board approve a new replacement for the Fire Department’s Car 3 and separately asked staff to study whether an electric vehicle could meet departmental needs.

Town Administrator Jake Roger described the replacement plan and said much of the expense would be paid from the Ambulance Fund, a revolving account funded by ambulance revenue. "The new one would be given perhaps to the Assistant Chief," Roger said, and the current Car 3 would be auctioned off.

Fire Chief Kenneth Berkenbush, who presented a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP), said the CIP is a "living document" that will be updated as town growth occurs. He said the department expects the current ambulance to reach the end of its 10-year life cycle in 2027 and projected that by about 2030 a ladder truck will be necessary as local buildings grow taller. Berkenbush estimated the ladder truck’s net cost at about $1,125,000 after offsets and described possible station reconfigurations to accommodate larger apparatus.

Member John Cody questioned whether a used police cruiser could be rotated into Car 3's role, saying recycling a cruiser would reduce upfront cost. Chief Berkenbush replied that reusing cruisers "can become a money pit," noting wear from policing duties and citing a Federal DOT equivalency on idling and miles. Cody requested invoices for prior Car 3 expenditures; Berkenbush said he would provide them.

A motion by Justin Paynter, seconded by Cassie Hojaboom, recommended the purchase of a new replacement vehicle for Car 3. The motion carried 9-2; Cody and John Van Dolson voted no. Committee discussion noted that although the Ambulance Fund pays many costs, some members view it as Town money that should be used prudently.

Separately, the committee considered whether to pursue electric vehicles for some fire uses. Paynter advocated for EVs, citing lower total life-cycle costs and an example price point for a used electric pickup. Member Amy Rich Crane moved, seconded by Paynter, that the committee recommend researching the use of an electric vehicle for the Fire Department. The motion passed 10-1, with Cody opposed. Members asked staff to consult towns that have deployed EVs in municipal fleets and to report operational limitations and fire-safety considerations.

The Budget Committee’s recommendation on replacing Car 3 will be forwarded to the Select Board for consideration. The committee also asked staff and the Fire Department to return with follow-up information on vehicle life-cycle costs, prior Car 3 expenditures, and any operational findings about electric-vehicle suitability.