During the May 26, 2026 tentative FY2027 budget review, the Council examined Fire Department needs and apparatus options. Fire Chief Russ Young has discussed acquiring a brush truck (estimated around 120000) that could be deployed on regional wildfires to generate reimbursement revenue, and the Mayor reported that the City of Moab may have a surplus ladder truck available at an estimated 175000, with condition and details still being evaluated. The Council is considering these purchases as capital projects and part of a broader capital improvements plan and fire station capital outlay. They also discussed federal and state grants for brushes, engines, PPE, and equipment, as well as potential equipment from BLM or the U.S. Forest Service that may carry usage restrictions. No purchase decisions have been made yet, so vendors of fire apparatus, used/refurbished engines, and grant-writing support have an opportunity to influence specifications, funding packages, and the order/timing of acquisitions.

Council is weighing revenue-generating potential of a brush truck versus capabilities of a ladder tr...