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Fairhaven moves to reappropriate capital funds to reserve production spot for $1.33M fire engine
Summary
Fire department representatives told council they have a cooperative quote of $1,329,480.24 to replace a 1981 engine; finance staff proposed reappropriating excess capital 'soft-cost' balances rather than issuing new debt and council authorized preparing an ordinance to reappropriate funds and begin the purchase process.
Fire department representatives updated the council on plans to replace a 1981 engine and asked the borough to secure a production spot with a purchase order. The presenter said the cooperative quote is $1,329,480.24 and that lead times can be about 48 months; a production PO secures a slot while vendor payment is scheduled in installments. "That quote is good until October," the presenter said, and council members repeatedly asked about contingencies, warranty coverage and whether the borough would need to take on debt.
Finance staff told the council the borough can fund the purchase by reappropriating excess capital balances from prior ordinances (including small unused soft‑cost appropriations dating from 2017–2023) rather than issuing new bonds. Staff proposed a budget buffer of $1.425 million to cover contingencies. A council motion authorized the CFO to start the reappropriation ordinance and to bring the item to the next meeting so the borough can secure a production spot if it chooses to proceed; council members signaled support pending ordinance drafting and formal votes.
