The Fort Atkinson City Council on Tuesday accepted a $548,381 bid for the purchase of a new fire truck from Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton. Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Daryl Rausch explained the 1985 truck has rust and corrosion issues and repair parts no longer are available. In addition, the truck has a rear open-cab jumpseat that is not compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards. The cost will be covered by the city and five surrounding townships that utilize the department's services.
Based on a formula that emergency calls within the city account for 72 percent of calls, the city will cover 72 percent of the cost; the Town of Koshkonong, 16.8 percent, and the towns of Hebron, Sumner, Jefferson and Oakland, each 2.8 percent. The towns also contribute to repairs over a set amount on an annual basis.
The cost breaks down as follows: Fort Atkinson, $394,834; Town of Koshkonong, $92,127; towns of Hebron, Jefferson, Sumner and Oakland, $15,355.
Funds are included in the 2016 capital improvement budget. The intent is to make a prepayment with a savings of $21,607 and then borrow once the actual amount is determined.
The approved bid from Pierce was $537,628. Rausch requested that a 2-percent contingency be added to increase the total to the $548,381.
The purchase was approved 4-1, with council member Beth Gehred casting the lone "no" vote. She said that while she supports the fire department and public safety she felt it was not necessary to spend so much money on "things."