Council approves $312,228 refurbishment of 2002 fire engine to extend service life

Brookings City Council voted to authorize the Fire Department to refurbish engine No. 6201 for $312,228 and to allow the finance director to execute a financing agreement.

City staff told the council the 2002 engine is 24 years old and starting to show its age; a full replacement would cost “about 1 to 1.5 million,” staff said, so refurbishing the apparatus is a significantly less expensive option that can add roughly 15–20 years of service. Staff described the planned work as a full “cab off, box off” refurbishment: repainting, new interior and seating, pump sealing and plumbing work, frame inspection and repairs, wiring replacement, and new brakes and fuel system components.

Staff presented two returned bids. The recommended vendor, Fire Trucks Unlimited, submitted the $312,228 proposal; staff said a second bid from US Fire Equipment was $264,500 but explained procurement policy permits selecting a higher bid when concerns about quality, warranty or responsiveness exist. Staff cited local recommendations and prior positive experience with Fire Trucks Unlimited and said the recommended contractor had been more responsive in company interactions.

Council members asked about timing and continuity of emergency coverage. Staff said they plan to reserve a December work slot and that the refurbishment is expected to take about five months; the department will redeploy other apparatus (including a previously obtained Type 3 engine received via a grant) to maintain coverage during the work. The council voted unanimously to approve the refurbishment and financing authorization.

The authorization follows earlier budget approval for the refurbishment during last year’s budget process, staff said, and aligns with ongoing apparatus maintenance and fleet planning.