2006 Town Warrant Article 20

Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $70,000.00 to refurbish engine 3, a 1985 Ford Tanker with a 1,500 gallon capacity?  The tanker does not currently meet certification and these repairs should extend its useful life another ten years. (Recommended by Selectmen) (Recommended by Budget Committee)

Voter's Guide Explanation

This warrant article proposes to refurbish Engine 3.  Engine 3 is a 1985 Ford 9000 with a 1500 gpm pump that holds 1500 gallons of water and has a leaky steel water tank, body rust, and an aging pump as noted in the photos below.  A steel water tank is no longer used but instead polyurethane tanks which have a 20 year lifespan. 

Backup Data

This warrant article proposes to refurbish Engine 3.  Engine 3 is a 1985 Ford 9000 with a 1500 gpm pump that holds 1500 gallons of water and has a leaky steel water tank, body rust, and an aging pump as noted in the photos below.  A steel water tank is no longer used but instead polyurethane tanks which have a 20 year lifespan. 

$70,000 Engine Refurbish Project

• Replace leaky steel tank with polyurethane tank with 20 year lifespan

• Refurbish pump to new status

• Repair body; remove rust; light structural work

• Average live expectancy ~ 10 years

• Cost per year = $7,000

vs $400,000 New Replacement Engine

• New truck, pump, tank

• Average life expectancy ~ 25 year

• Cost per year = $16,000

We believe that this proposed warrant to refurbish Engine 3 is the most cost effective way to extend the life of this piece of fire equipment an additional 10 years at the lowest cost possible.

Click on any image for a larger photo

Water leaking on floor from steal tank

Water leaking on floor from steal tank

Body damage

Rust on batteries box and weld broken holding box to body

Pump panel rust

Rust looking down into steel tank

Looking down into steel tank

Rust under steel tank

Body rust

Wire damage due to water leak