BILLINGS — The Billings City Council approved a deal with Pierce Manufacturing Monday to buy an additional fire truck to replace an engine lost in a crash during an early February snow storm.
The new Enforcer PUC pumper truck will cost the city $638,777, according to the Council meeting agenda.
An inspection on the damaged truck by Frank & Wetch Truck Rebuilders found damage done to the cab, chassis and frame would cost more to repair than the truck is worth.
The city already had an order with Pierce to purchase two fire engines for $1.2 million. The city had set aside $1.3 million to purchase the engines as part of the yearly equipment replacement program.
The engine damaged in February was scheduled to be replaced in 2024. The city will be able to use the $38,000 saved on the first two engines to spend on the third. By the end of the year, the 2021 equipment replacement fund should have enough money to cover the remaining cost of the third engine.
On a brighter note for the fire department, the City Council accepted a donation of four Traeger pellet smokers for use by the department. Jeff Averill with the Ace Hardware store on Zimmerman Trail donated the smokers each valued at $699 for a total of $2,796.
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