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Fire chief seeks vehicle upgrade and $100,000 station remodel; council debates purchase size
Summary
Fire Chief Derek Tolman requested replacement equipment including a more capable truck or a side-by-side, and a $100,000 fire-station remodel. Council discussed grant options, fundraising, and a $25,000 compromise allocation while Tolman seeks detailed cost breakdowns.
Fire Chief Derek Tolman told the council the department’s current vehicle assignments limit operational effectiveness and outlined a set of equipment and facility requests during the Feb. 8 retreat.
Tolman said a suitable used truck could be purchased for $20,000–$22,000 while a side-by-side vehicle under consideration would cost about $45,000 from a local seller. He reported he is applying for grants to cover such purchases but judged the department’s eligibility as limited; Councilman Joel Dills suggested fundraising and recommended budgeting $25,000 as an interim planning figure. Councilman Wayne Winsor argued for purchasing a fully equipped 4x4 truck instead of a side-by-side.
Chief Tolman also requested $100,000 for a Fire Station remodel to add a bedroom, update electrical systems, and renovate bathrooms and maintenance needs; Mr. Tolman was asked to return with a detailed breakdown of estimated costs. Tolman described a vehicle-rotation plan to replace older Dodges with Tacoma trucks to maintain redundancy when units are in maintenance.
Outcome: Council asked for detailed cost breakdowns for the remodel and agreed to continue discussing equipment purchases while Tolman pursues grant opportunities.
