Dade County authorizes up to $300,000 to buy used pumper-tanker to bolster water capacity
December 05, 2025 | Dade County, Georgia
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Dade County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize up to $300,000 for the purchase of a used pumper‑tanker to increase firefighting water capacity for Stations 1 and 4.
Chief Jerry Kaiser and Ansel Smith told the board the department has identified vehicles on the market but must move quickly because usable pumpers and tankers are selling fast. The department reported $143,980 in proceeds from a recent sale and an additional $7,600 from another vehicle; those sales, plus station-designated SPLOST funds and a supplemental splash contribution, would be combined to reach the spending authorization. Commissioners agreed the purchase authorization is a maximum, not a guarantee of expenditure.
Why this matters: the county’s fire suppression ratings affect insurance premiums and community protection. Chief Kaiser said the new apparatus would add thousands of gallons of water-carrying capacity to the county fleet and help meet Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements that improve the county’s Public Protection Classification.
Funding and next steps: the board agreed to use SPLOST funds designated for Station 4 first, apply proceeds from surplus property sales into the general fund to cover part of the cost, and then use Station 1 SPLOST funds if needed. County staff said they would list the authorization and proceed to negotiate purchases, returning to the board with specific vehicle details and sale proceeds from Engine 41 before finalizing spending.
At the meeting: Commissioners discussed the order of funds to be used, potential budget amendments to recognize vehicle-sale revenue, and the importance of swift action given the tight market for used pumpers and tankers. The board did not name a vendor and did not exceed the $300,000 authorization.
The authorization was added to and approved as part of the consent agenda. The county will post surplus units on the online auction platform GovDeals and report back when specific purchase contracts are ready.
Chief Jerry Kaiser and Ansel Smith told the board the department has identified vehicles on the market but must move quickly because usable pumpers and tankers are selling fast. The department reported $143,980 in proceeds from a recent sale and an additional $7,600 from another vehicle; those sales, plus station-designated SPLOST funds and a supplemental splash contribution, would be combined to reach the spending authorization. Commissioners agreed the purchase authorization is a maximum, not a guarantee of expenditure.
Why this matters: the county’s fire suppression ratings affect insurance premiums and community protection. Chief Kaiser said the new apparatus would add thousands of gallons of water-carrying capacity to the county fleet and help meet Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements that improve the county’s Public Protection Classification.
Funding and next steps: the board agreed to use SPLOST funds designated for Station 4 first, apply proceeds from surplus property sales into the general fund to cover part of the cost, and then use Station 1 SPLOST funds if needed. County staff said they would list the authorization and proceed to negotiate purchases, returning to the board with specific vehicle details and sale proceeds from Engine 41 before finalizing spending.
At the meeting: Commissioners discussed the order of funds to be used, potential budget amendments to recognize vehicle-sale revenue, and the importance of swift action given the tight market for used pumpers and tankers. The board did not name a vendor and did not exceed the $300,000 authorization.
The authorization was added to and approved as part of the consent agenda. The county will post surplus units on the online auction platform GovDeals and report back when specific purchase contracts are ready.
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