At 20+ years, Seadrift’s old fire truck has reached an age that it is no longer ISO certified without major repairs and refurbishment. The cost of repairs and refurbishment would exceed a reasonable return on the required investment for recertification. The old truck’s piping and pumps are in an advanced stage of deterioration and corrosion, making any future repairs expensive as well. If the truck is de-certified, the City could not maintain its low ISO rating, which enables the City’s residents to continue to get lower fire insurance rates.
The City has purchased a new fire truck for $220,000 through the Texas Buy Board and will get $20,000 trade allowance for the old one. The new truck will be manufactured by Rosenbauer. The new truck will have an aluminum body with stainless steel pumps and piping to withstand the corrosive nature of salt and some water in the area. It should be delivered around February and the old one will be picked up at that time. The remaining cost after trade will be financed with Community Finance Bank in Kansas who specializes on this type of financing at an interest rate of (appox) 2%. The first payment will be due September 2017.
The City has been awarded a grant from the Edward G. Byrne Justice Grants for $75,000 to purchase a new 2017 Tahoe Police vehicle to replace the vehicle which was destroyed by an electrical fire. Delivery is expected to be near the first part of December. This purchase was also through the Texas Buy Board.
The insurance payment for the loss of the 2011 Tahoe has enabled the City to purchase two used 2013 Dodge Charger Police cars equipped, to replace its two worn out Ford Crown Victorias. These two newer vehicles will considerably reduce the police vehicle repair bills over the next few years. The first Charger was delivered a few weeks ago and it had 35,000 miles on it. The second Charger, which has about 51,000 miles on it, should be delivered by the time this article is printed. Both units are Federal Surplus units. Each cost $19,500, including all required equipment. The two Ford Crown Vics will be surplused for sale at some future date.
