Junction City Daily Union – August 22, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – August 30, 2013
Junction City Fire Chief Kevin Royse and Battalion Chief Rick Rook have been working together to identify possible ways to save money on much-needed fire engine purchases.
Royse and Rook recently attended a fire engine manufacturers convention in Chicago to research possible deals, which include purchasing several new engines from one manufacturer.
“We have not identified the manufacturer yet,” Royse said during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting. Already down two of its trucks because of mechanical issues and planning to use a grant to fund most of the purchase of a new aerial ladder truck, the fire department is looking at close to $2 million in new vehicles.
The recently-awarded FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant will cover $760,000 of that total for an aerial truck, but the grant requires the city to match at least $84,444.
Though it could save the city money, a purchase agreement with one manufacturer would require the commission’s OK to waive a bid process.
Commissioner Mick McCallister told Royse to keep the commission updated.
“(We’re) open to the idea,” he said. “We need more information.”
The 2014 budget allotted two mills for the fire reserve, which is expected to provide funds for the new trucks, likely through a lease-purchase agreement.
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