City of Marion looks at options for new fire truck
A new fire truck is in Marion's not too distant future.
Representatives of Weis Fire & Equipment of Salina, presented cost estimates Monday to Marion City Commission for a basic fire truck.
Mike Weis said the city had requested a "basic package" with the necessary equipment. Mike Regnier, Marion fire chief, and David Mayfield, city administrator, provided information to Weis for the proposal.
One option proposed was a basic IH-International truck chassis that would be purchased from Williams Service of Florence. This would make repairs and maintenance more convenient for the city rather than transporting the vehicle to Great Bend, Wichita, or Salina.
A basic truck could cost approximately $130,000, said Weis. With the requested equipment, the total price estimate was $172,000.
The price included a five-year warranty on the engine and transmission, a 10-year warranty on the truck body, and a life-time warranty on the water tank.
Equipment included a deck gun, foam system, two-and-one-half-inch suction on the right side of the vehicle, jump line, adjustable shelves, extra storage for SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) bottles, and a 5,000-watt Honda generator.
Standard equipment included automatic transmission and air brakes.
Delivery could be made within 90 to 120 days, if the chassis is in-stock.
Commissioner Jim Crofoot asked if there was a difference between an International and a GMC truck. Weis said GMC would cost about $10,000-$12,000 more.
Mayfield said the city would have the truck for a long time.
"It'll be easier to go to Florence than Wichita (to have the truck serviced)," said Mayfield.
The new fire truck may improve the city's ISO (Insurance Services Offices, Inc.) rating for property insurance. The city's current rating is seven.
Weis was not sure what the rating could be with the new truck.
He also said a lease-purchase option was available for the city. The interest rate could be as low as five percent. Mayfield said he had checked an amortization schedule and determined a three-year lease at five percent for $170,000 would cost the city $12,000 in interest.
There are sufficient funds available in the city's capital improvement fund, said Mayfield, but encouraged the commission to consider other options.
There is no penalty for paying off the lease early.
Weis indicated there could be a price increase for the truck chassis at the beginning of the year and other increases could occur during the year.
Mayor Martin Tice said the commission needed time to review the options and instructed Mayfield to check with local banks regarding a lease arrangement.
Crofoot asked if a CDL (commercial driver's license) would be required with the proposed truck. Weis responded when it is in service as a fire truck, a CDL was not required. The fire truck will only be used within the city limits.
The commission will consider options at next week's commission meeting.
In other business:
— The commission approved the June financial statement, investment and collateral report, and second quarter financial statement.
— Warrants for $21,158 were approved.
— Mayfield informed the commission the city's 2006 budget was being prepared and will be ready for review at Monday's meeting.
Approval of the budget was set for the Aug. 1 meeting.
— Ammonia has been added to the city's drinking water. Tropical fish owners who use city water in their tanks, need to add a chemical to fish tanks to avoid harming aquatic life, said Mayfield.
— Police Lt. Dean Keyes completed a Kansas Police Administrators Seminar at Kansas Law Enforcement Center.
The next commission meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday at the city building.
