Riley County approves authorization to pursue pre‑owned pumper‑tanker and travel to inspect it

Riley County commissioners on Jan. 15 authorized Fire District No. 1 to pursue purchase of a used 2007 Ferrara pumper‑tanker priced at $225,000 and approved an out‑of‑state travel request to evaluate the vehicle in Willis, Texas.

Russell Sticky and Doug Russell told the board the truck ‘‘fit a need that we have at Station 115’’ and would allow the district to retire a higher‑mileage unit and shift assets to other stations. Sticky said the truck was listed in Texas for $225,000 and the district hoped to negotiate a lower price; the motion authorized staff to pursue purchase "not to exceed $225,000" with funds from the Fire Department Capital Outlay Fund. The board moved, seconded and approved the authorization.

Commissioners also approved an out‑of‑state travel request for Doug Russell to travel to Willis, Texas, for a purchase evaluation and later approved a separate authorization to repurchase a replacement 2026 pickup for the deputy chief using insurance proceeds and the balance from Fund 183.

No public opposition was recorded in the meeting record. Fire leadership said older trucks are difficult to replace new because of cost and long state‑contract delivery times; buying a used apparatus was presented as a cost‑effective, short‑term solution to maintain coverage at busy stations.

Next steps: Fire District staff will inspect the Texas vehicle, seek negotiations as allowed under the purchase authorization, and, if appropriate, proceed with procurement and the authorized travel.