July 30--Replacing three of the oldest fire engines in Hazleton Fire Department's fleet could cost between $1.5 million and $2 million, the city fire chief estimates.
With the city's financial recovery plan noting that a 23-year-old ladder truck and 31-year-old pumper are due for replacement -- and that a third pumper should be replaced by 2022 -- officials are evaluating options for paying for the apparatus overhaul, Fire Chief Donald Leshko said.
"We need to look at all options before a plan can solidly be put in place," Leshko said. "I would not endorse something to rush into hastily. Let's develop a plan that's going to be effective for the taxpayer, but also make it work for the department."
Leshko spoke about an apparatus replacement plan that Pennsylvania Economy League built into Hazleton's Act 47 financial recovery plan. The state-appointed consultants serve as Hazleton's recovery plan coordinator.
In addition to providing historical and projected financial trends, the recovery plan also contains operational evaluations for each city department.
As part of the review of the fire department, coordinators developed an apparatus replacement schedule that would allow the city to remain in compliance with National Fire Protection Association training and equipment guidelines.
The guidelines establish personnel and equipment response capabilities for fire departments when they respond to calls to "high hazard occupancies," or schools, hospitals and high-rise buildings. Under those scenarios, departments should respond with at least four pumpers, two ladder trucks or a combination of apparatus with equivalent capabilities.
Family dwellings and businesses, meanwhile, require a response from at least two pumper trucks and a ladder truck, or some other combination of vehicles with similar capabilities.
Inventory
The city's fleet consists of about a dozen vehicles that operate of out three fire stations.
The Southside Fire Station, Broad Street, houses a 2011 KME ladder truck, a 1995 ladder tower, a 2018 KME rescue pumper and a 2008 KME pumper truck. A 2002 Ford utility truck and a 2012 Haulmark trench rescue trailer are also housed at the Southside station.
A 2002 KME pumper is housed at the Diamond Fire Station, Church Street, while the 14th Ward Fire Station, East Diamond Avenue, accommodates a 1987 Mack pumper, a 2008 Haulmark foam trailer and three 2017 Ford Explorers that are used by the chiefs.
Between 2013 and 2017, the department responded to an average of 972 calls per year, with call volume on the rise over most of that five-year period, the report states.
The number of calls increased from 857 in 2013 to a high of 1,068 in 2016. Last year, the department responded to 947 calls, the report states.
More calls translates to more wear and tear on vehicles, he said.
Needs
Under NFPA guidelines, the 1995 ladder tower and 1987 Mack pumper are due for replacement, consultants wrote. By 2022, the department will have to replace a 2002 KME pumper.
The next replacement is due in about a decade, when the 2008 KME pumper would be scheduled for replacement in 2028, the report states.
The city purchased the '87 Mack pumper for $184,000 on Oct. 12, 1987, according to Leshko. While researching the history of the truck, Leshko believes it was purchased with federal Community Development funds.
The city bought the 1995 ladder tower on March 12, 1995 -- which appears to be the last time the city had a capital purchase budget in place, Leshko said. The city bought the ladder truck for a bout $526,000.
With the exception of the 2011 ladder truck -- which was purchased with a FEMA grant of more than $660,000 and another $75,000 in federal Community Development funds -- the city purchased all other major fire apparatus with Community Development funds, Leshko said.
"Everything from 2002 forward looks like it was purchased with CD money," he said.
Options
Administrators are evaluating ways to develop a vehicle replacement plans -- as well as come up with the money to pay the $1.5 million to $2 million Leshko believes the city will need for replacing the '95 ladder truck, the '87 Mack pumper and '02 KME pumper.
The city can develop a capital budget, or it can pursue a combined vehicle purchase, Leshko said.
The most feasible way -- and popular among second- and third-class cities -- appears to a municipal lease-purchase program, he said.
"You buy apparatus at today's price and are paying for it over so many years," he explained. "I think it's a logical approach. You're also not having to come up with a large balloon payment. Interest costs are incurred, but it all levels out."
City officials would also have to consider whether it can afford to earmark general fund money into a capital budget or whether the city would use part of its annual Community Development allocation, or a combination, he said.
The city faces certain restrictions when using its Community Development allocations, he said.
Vehicle costs have increased dramatically over the years, as the city purchased its 2011 ladder truck just before emissions standards were enacted an increased vehicle costs by $15,000. Tariffs could also dramatically impact vehicle prices, he said.
Upgrading vehicles, however, will cut back on maintenance costs because the new vehicles will be covered under warranties and the fire department will not have to rely on companies to rebuild outdated parts -- which can take a piece of apparatus out of operation, he said.
"The city has always tried to keep apparatus in top shape," Leshko said. "If (a vehicle) went down for repair, it would be down for a small time. But, as the apparatus gets older and parts fail, sometimes you're not able to get replacement parts. Taking a part off a vehicle and sending it to a company to be result does play a role in what (repairs) will cost."
What's next
Leshko said he wants to come up with a plan that's fair to taxpayers and the fire department.
"I don't think it would happen tomorrow," he said of replacing vehicles. "I'd rather look at a plan, come up with pros and cons, and go from there. We have to explore all options."
Although the recovery plan suggests replacing fire apparatus under a capital improvement plan, it leaves the responsibility of paying it to the city.
"This should be done as funds become available," the plan reads.
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