Greensburg council is expected to vote next week on buying a new fire truck for Hose Company No. 1.
Councilman Randy Finfrock proposed taking $1.067 million from parking revenue to pay Pierce Manufacturing in full for a new rescue pumper. That option comes with a $110,000 discount on the total price.
“We have the funds to do this, we can write the check for $1.067 million and I would prefer to do it that way,” he said during a council meeting Monday.
The fire department requested the new rescue pumper, which would replace two trucks at the McLaughlin Drive Station — a 2005 rescue and a 1999 engine. If the purchase is approved, the new rescue pumper wouldn’t hit the streets for about three years.
The two trucks it is replacing would be sold.
Finfrock suggested to council last month to pay for the truck in full to get the 10% discount, rather than making payments. He continued that push Monday.
“I don’t think there’s any question we should do this … there is a legitimate question on how we pay for this,” he said.
The parking revenue fund is in good shape and money will continue streaming in, Finfrock said. Council members could consider later this year if they want to replenish money taken out of it or not. He described the fund as “money in our back pocket,” an option that will cost taxpayers the least amount.
“I think this is the best path, I think this is the most prudent path,” he said.
While the proposed contract calls for an increased price if the Producer Price Index surpasses 5% in a certain time frame, Finfrock said any changes could be offset by the 10% discount. The price also could be adjusted if there are regulatory changes that require upgrades, said solicitor Zachary Kansler.
The Producer Price Index measures average changes over time in selling prices by domestic producers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.