Torrington board approves 7-year lease-to-purchase for $776,042 HME pumper

The Torrington Board of Finance approved a motion to acquire a new HME pumper from MES for $776,042, with approximately $50,000 of additional equipment, financed under a seven-year lease. The board authorized the mayor to negotiate and execute contracts for acquisition; final implementation remains contingent on City Council and Board of Public Safety approvals.

Dan, a Board of Finance member who led the presentation, said several existing apparatus had been taken out of service after inspections found corroded components: "...that vehicle was deemed as not exactly safe or fit for standardized service as several of the primary u bolts and frame is beyond corroded." He told the board Waterbury has run the HME model for a year without issues and that the lease structure would limit this fiscal year’s capital impact by deferring the first payment until 07/01/2027.

Miss Straub asked whether the quoted $50,000 in equipment was included in the total; the Chair confirmed it is inclusive. Straub also noted the financing sheet shows a 4.95% APR but that total interest over the term would raise the effective cost by about 20% versus an outright purchase. Ben, Torrington’s new fleet manager, said the city can extend apparatus life through measures such as fluid film and undercarriage coatings but that some vehicles are already too corroded to save.

The board approved the motion by voice vote; the record on the transcript shows no opposition. The purchase and associated contracts still require City Council and Board of Public Safety approval before execution.