SEQUIM — Clallam County Fire District No. 3’s vehicle fleet is growing with the addition of three used ambulances last week, and the planned purchase of a customized new fire truck and a rebuilt water tanker later in the year.
The district will spend almost $500,000 on the rigs, all of which are included in its 2004 budget approved by fire commissioners last fall.
Assistant Chief Ben Andrews presented commissioners with options for purchasing a fire engine from Fort Garry Industries Ltd., a Canadian company that builds fire trucks on speculation.
Commissioners elected to forgo a prepay discount of $2,000 and delay paying the full cost of the engine until delivery.
They also voted to pass on a $2,500 performance bond, which would guarantee that the truck would be crafted as ordered. Instead, it will inspect the vehicle just prior to purchase.
Fort Garry will require the district to pay for the engine’s $70,000 chassis in advance.
The $170,000 set aside for final payment could be held in interest-bearing accounts, Chief Steve Vogel said.
The district has eight fire trucks servicing seven stations, and many of those are more than 20 years old.
It has just one “tender,” or water tank truck, with a 2,500-gallon capacity.
