Because of the uncertainty with supply chain of parts and the cost of a new cab and chassis for a fire tanker truck, Wiscasset (ME) Fire Rescue delayed signing a contract for the new apparatus, according to a report published by Wiscasset Newspaper.
According to the newspaper the apparatus dealer could not guarantee the cost of the new cab and chassis and, if the department didn’t like the final price and backed out of the deal, they would have to pay 10 percent or more to the apparatus manufacturer without getting the truck.
The dealer told the town and fire department officials he understood the reluctance, but also explained it’s company policy and many dealers and manufacturers are implementing the same polices.
Town officials asked about putting off the purchase for a year but were warned the price would be higher than the current price, according to the newspaper. So, Rather than scrapping the whole deal, Wiscasset’s selectboard members asked the dealer for some more information and clarification which they would consider at a special work meeting on July 26, according to the report.