Great Bend Post
As part of the Great Bend Fire Department’s vehicle replacement plan, the current ladder truck is scheduled to be replaced in 2025. The city identified in 2022 that at the rate they were saving money for the truck’s replacement, the department would not have enough money in reserve to replace the truck. At that time, two more years were added to the project date, giving the department until 2027.
In visiting with other fire truck dealers, Great Bend identified at the current rate of inflation they would not have enough money saved to complete the purchase in 2027. It was also noted that if the city waits until 2027, it could be up to 48 months, year 2031, before the truck would be delivered.
The Great Bend Fire Department apparatus committee started researching options at the end of last year. Two manufacturers have slots reserved in their build schedules for stock or demo trucks. If the purchase is approved, the city could make changes to the specifications so the truck would better meet their needs. By going this route, the city would take delivery of the ladder truck in late 2026 and save the city two years of inflation, roughly 7% to 10% annually.
Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith will present the option to the Great Bend City Council at the meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18 to approve the bid from Hays Fire Equipment for $1,590,023. The council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.