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Council authorizes negotiations to buy used fire engine amid fleet shortages
Summary
After the fire chief reported multiple frontline units out of service and parts on national backorder, the council approved a motion to negotiate acquisition of a used engine offered by a neighboring department for up to $850,000, contingent on the seller breaking an existing purchase agreement and securing financing.
Clarksville’s fire chief told the town council that multiple frontline vehicles are out of service and parts for a key ladder tower are on national back order, leaving the department without a backup aerial unit.
“Currently, the parts are on a national backorder,” the chief said, describing the department’s reliance on neighboring agencies while repairs are pending. He recommended acquiring a nearby used engine that staff identified in Floyd County and priced at about $850,000, saying the vehicle has only about 50 hours on its meter and would be available immediately if the current purchase agreement could be broken.
Council members discussed funding options that had been floated in the work session — including using Local Option Income Tax (LOIT), Cumulative Capital Development (CCD), cigarette settlement (CCI) funds and a potential Tax Increment Finance (TIF) allocation — and weighed whether to take the unit by loan or pay cash. One council member argued buying outright would avoid another long-term loan payment; staff and the clerk/treasurer warned some sources will require additional appropriations or redevelopment commission approval.
The council voted to authorize the chief to enter negotiations with the vendor (motion passed by voice vote). Staff emphasized the purchase would be conditional on the vendor breaking an existing letter of intent for another purchaser and on later financing approvals. The chief said if the deal falls through the department will pursue the next available recommended unit and continue to rely on mutual-aid partners.
