NAW buys used truck for fire department

Mar. 22, 2024, Eganville, Ont. – North Algona Wilberforce Township is proceeding with the purchase of a used – demonstration model – 2022 RAM 1500 truck at a cost of $75,000.

The vehicle will be used by the fire department and the purchase was planned for in 2024 with $65,000 set aside in the budget for the replacement. A report to council showed staff have been searching for a suitable replacement and found the used demo model with about 10,000 kilometres on it. The vehicle was built as a display vehicle and has several upgrades including a fiberglass cap, remote light tower for scene lighting and 360 degree work lights, to name a few.

The report to council stated a new vehicle similarly equipped would come in at $67,000 and the upgrades would add another $15,000 or more in value.

The vehicle is slated to replace the current utility vehicle used by the fire department, a 2011 Chev with 256,000 kilometres. It was originally used by the public works department and transferred to the fire department in 2022. This vehicle requires some repairs.

The staff report noted there was an unexpected source of income from the sale of the 1994 International tanker at auction which had been expected to bring in $10,000 but sold for $26,200. This unexpected surplus could be added to the budget of $64,000 to cover the cost of the 2022 truck for the fire department.

Council approved the purchase.