Council approves donation of two surplus engines to neighboring rural fire districts

Cache County Council members approved the donation of two surplus fire apparatus to neighboring rural fire districts after the county fire chief said the vehicles are no longer suitable for county operational needs but would materially help smaller districts.

Why this matters: Small, rural fire districts operate on limited budgets and often run older equipment; donated apparatus can increase their operational capacity without a major capital outlay.

Fire Chief (presenter) described the two vehicles: a 1996 Pierce Freightliner proposed for Central Box Elder Fire District and a 1991 Pierce engine proposed for Randolph Fire District in Rich County. The chief said both trucks have limited or no resale value on the open market given age and outdated equipment, but had been mechanically evaluated and were deemed serviceable by the recipient agencies. He said Central Box Elder's current apparatus, a 1980 GMC, had repeated mechanical issues and the district operates on an annual budget of about $55,000; Randolph's budget was described as about $65,000 and its current engine dates to 1971.

Council members asked whether recipient districts had inspected the vehicles and whether the county would be asked for repairs in transit. The chief said both districts test-drove and inspected the apparatus and Box Elder even brought new batteries to confirm readiness; Randolph carried out an ad hoc pump test to confirm pump function. The council then moved to approve the donations.

Action taken: Motion to donate the 1996 Pierce Freightliner to Central Box Elder Fire District and the 1991 Pierce engine to Randolph Fire District passed on voice vote with no opposition recorded.

The chief noted the donations began earlier in the year and this action finalizes those transfers.