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Fire chief outlines SCBA replacement options and possible use of reserve funds
Summary
The fire department described options to fund new SCBAs and bottles, noting a $101,000 capital reserve that could be applied and tradeoffs between buying bottles in bulk for discounts or staggering replacements to smooth costs.
The fire representative told the council there is a capital reserve for fire apparatus and equipment and discussed options for SCBA (self‑contained breathing apparatus) replacement. The representative said there is approximately $101,000 in a capital reserve that could be applied toward SCBA needs and explained that bottles, masks and backpacks have different replacement cycles; buying bottles in bulk yields volume discounts but staggering purchases can spread costs.
Councilors asked whether purchases could be staggered and whether reserve funds or sales of existing equipment could reduce the near‑term capital ask. The fire representative recommended preserving flexibility – noting vendors and NFPA testing requirements – and suggested staff and the department present a staggered replacement schedule or a one‑time purchase analysis to the council.
