Fire chief urges council to authorize purchase of two pumpers as prices and lead times rise

Chief Skaggs presented a packet including a Seagrave contract proposal and a detailed quote for two fire pumpers, saying build times have grown from about one year a decade ago to nearly five years now and prices have more than doubled since 2018. He said the first truck is priced at approximately $1.0–$1.2 million (the comparable 2018 truck cost $545,000) and the two vehicles together total roughly $2.5–$2.6 million; the quote and specs are valid for 30 days and would lock price if the town signs a contract.

Council discussed funding options. The clerk reported a QMFIRE equipment replacement fund yields about $360,000 annually, which could support monthly payments (roughly $30,000/month) and cover part of financing; Chief and staff also discussed the Indiana Bond Bank HELP program as an option for a 10‑year note. Questions addressed grant eligibility (AFG limited by population/volunteer status), capitalized interest and issuance costs, mutual‑aid impacts and liability risks if aging apparatus fail. Chief noted safety and NFPA recommendations (reserve at 15 years; retire at 25) as drivers for replacement of aging engines.