Farmington City Council approves fire truck purchase
Truck likely to arrive within a year
After years of planning and fiscal roadblocks, the Farmington Fire Department’s plans for a new fire truck are rolling forward.
The Farmington City Council unanimously approved a new pumper truck purchase for a cost of $560,064 at its May 7 meeting.
To fund the purchase, the city will enter into a five-year financing agreement with the Water Board at two percent interest.
The Water Board is expected to approve the agreement at its May 29 meeting, clearing the last hurdle for the order to be placed.
Fire Chief Tim Pietsch told council members he expects the truck will be completed within nine to twelve months after an order is placed.
“I’m excited we’re finally going to get a truck,” Pietsch said.
The department had delayed replacing its aging equipment, and had several emergency calls when the equipment breakdowns occurred that raised concerns among city officials; no injuries occurred as a result of the issues.
A group of four Firefighters will visit the Appleton, Wis., plant to monitor the truck’s building process. Total costs for the travel, lodging and food is estimated at $2,310 and will be covered by the city.
In an interview with Sun Thisweek, Pietsch said he is excited for the department to have a new, reliable rescue engine, noting it will include hydraulic cutting equipment that can penetrate today’s stronger steel and titanium pillars in vehicles to more easily perform rescues.
“You can’t cut through it with the older tools,” Pietsch said.
Internal borrowing saves money, allowing the city a two percent interest rate and a five-year repayment schedule, and keeps repayment funds in city coffers.
“The pieces of the puzzle are finally all coming together,” Pietsch said. “The committee worked long and diligently for some time, so it’s pretty exciting to finally see all their hard work come through.”
Laura Adelmann is at laura.adelmann@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.
