ERIN – Council has approved an over-budget purchase of a fire truck from Dependable Emergency Vehicles.
The replacement of Tanker 58 was budgeted this year to cost $450,000, but the only two bids received by the town for the job were both above that estimate.
Manitoba-based Fort Garry Fire Trucks submitted the lowest bid at $552,429 (tax-in) but delivery of the truck could take up to two years.
Erin staff would also travel to Fort Garry to inspect the purchase, bringing a travel cost of $1,750 per staff member.
Instead, Erin Fire Chief Jim Sawkins opted to recommend town council approve a higher bid from Dependable Emergency Vehicles of $554,316 (tax-in).
The chief reasoned the Mississauga-based company wouldn’t require the travel costs, and the company promised to deliver a completed truck within 300 days.
Sawkins proposed the $104,316 difference in cost between the budgeted and actual amount be funded from the town’s fire vehicle reserve.
On March 23 council approved the chief’s recommendation to purchase the new fire truck from Dependable Emergency Vehicles.
