Millville moves ahead with capital vehicle purchases; fire chief details two-year lead time and savings

Commissioners discussed several capital-equipment resolutions at the Oct. 2 work session, including requests to purchase a vactor truck, a backhoe loader and a custom-built fire truck. Staff framed the purchases as overdue replacements that align with the capital plan.

The fire chief described the specialized procurement and manufacturing timeline for the new engine: because fire trucks are custom built, typical national lead times are roughly four years, but Millville was able to secure a two-year slot and negotiated prepayment terms that saved about $82,000. "Normally, fire trucks right now nationwide are about 4 years, so we're on a 2 year list... we're gonna be paying for this fire truck before it's delivered at a significant savings of about $82,000 and some change," the chief said. Staff estimated the truck being placed into service within two years; the vehicle it will replace will be approximately 30 years old at retirement.

Commissioners expressed broad support and noted related purchases (vactor truck and backhoe) are aligned with public-works and water-department needs. No purchase resolution votes were recorded during the work session; the matters were presented for authorization on the upcoming formal agenda.