The Crossville City Council will consider purchasing a new fire truck during Tuesday night’s Council meeting.
Crossville Fire Chief Chris South said the fire department’s fleet of trucks are starting to show their age. South said that means maintenance costs have risen over the years.
“At this point, it does appear that it will require a complete overhaul of the engine and our estimates are saying that could easily be in excess of $100,000 or more,” South said. “And on a 20-year old apparatus we just felt that was not not the best economic value for the citizens.”
South said the estimated cost to buy a new fire truck is $1.3 million. Delivery would take nearly three years, at some 31 months. South said the city has time to prepare for the expense as the city would not be charged until the fire truck is delivered.
“Our finance director will be placing money back in reserve monthly during the 31-month period,” South said. “So we will have that money collected and ready to pay upon delivery.”
South said the city has already ordered two fire trucks and expects to get those in April of 2028. South said having an updated fleet will put the fire department in a good position.
“The oldest portion of our frontline emergency response fleet will be 2018 models,” South said. “So we will be set basically for the next 20 years, barring any major malfunctions or anything that puts us with the requirement to have another one.”
South said a new fire truck not only makes the trucks more reliable but also reduces future maintenance costs. South said he believes the current fleet should have no problem servicing until the new trucks come in.
