Discrepancies result in city seeking bids for different fire engine
Published 11:02 pm Sunday, November 22, 2015
The Washington Fire-Rescue-EMS Department likely will be getting a new fire engine, just not the one first ordered.
Earlier this year, the Washington City Council approved the funding for a new front-line fire engine. But discrepancies with the year model for that new apparatus were discovered by department personnel during an inspection of the vehicle, according to Robbie Rose, the city’s fire chief. In a memorandum to the mayor and City Council, Rose wrote that “in consideration that this was inconsistent with the information originally provided to the Council for consideration; we terminated that purchase transaction.”
On Sept. 28, the council authorized spending $450,000 on a new fire engine from C.W. Williams Co. in Rocky Mount. The company services the city’s fire engines.
Rose wrote that the department sent requests to seven fire-engine vendors for bids to provide the department with in-stock/demonstration models. An eighth vendor contacted the department about submitting its bid, Rose noted. After reviewing the proposals, the department recommends the city buy a stock 2015 Pierce fire engine from Atlantic Emergency Solutions at a cost of $448,995.
The Pierce fire engine best meets the immediate needs of the department for a front-line fire engine, according to Rose.
Three vendors did not submit proposals. Another vendor’s fire engine did not meet the department’s specifications.
In other action, the council will consider authorizing the city to accept a $32,000 grant from the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging. The annual grant will be used to support programs and services provided by city’s Grace Harwell Martin Senior Center. If the city accepts the grant, it is required to provide a $6,000 contribution.
The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 102 E. Second St. To view the council’s agenda for a specific meeting, visit the city’s website at www.washingtonnc.gov, click “Government” then “City Council” heading, then click “Meeting Agendas” on the menu to the right. Then click on the date for the appropriate agenda.