City officials will bypass the bidding process and enter competitive negotiations to purchase a vehicle for the fire chief, replacing
the one that is currently owned by the department. The council approved the action during a meeting last night (Monday).
The council discussed the need to purchase a new vehicle for the fire chief during a meeting earlier this month, noting that the
one being used has continued to break down every few days.
During the meeting, last night, Fire Chief Gabe Heatherly presented the council with several vehicles that he had found from several dealers.
Heatherly has proposed that the department purchase a three-quarter-ton truck that would provide more flexibility and more storage.
He brought several proposals with him, though he and Mayor Tracie Sexton said they are unsure if both trucks are still available. There has been
a shortage of vehicles due to the pandemic. Suppliers will not hold vehicles for the length of time it takes to go through the bid process.
