The city of Oskaloosa is set to buy a new fire truck in the coming year, Oskaloosa.com reported.
The Oskaloosa City Council approved a resolution to enter into a contract to buy a new pumper truck for the Oskaloosa Fire Department at its regular meeting Monday night. The current pumper truck used by the department has been in service for over 22 years, according to the Oskaloosa Fire Department, while it only has a life expectancy of 20 years. Given the truck’s long service, the department has determined that it is in need of a new pumper truck.
Originally, the city’s Capital Improvement Plan allotted $690,000 for the purchase of a new fire truck in fiscal year 2024. However, rising inflation has changed matters, the report said.
Rising inflation now places the purchase price of a new fire truck at $800,000. The department has, however, found a demonstration pumper truck available for purchase, the report said. The truck is available for immediate delivery and at a price below the allotted budget for fiscal year 2024.
Demo trucks can be bought at a greatly-reduced price, which is why the city will be able to purchase this truck for an amount not to exceed $600,000, the report said.
The council unanimously approved the resolution and will move forward with the purchase.