Lackawanna Fire Chief Ralph Galanti recommended that the city purchase a new pumper for $439,201.
City officials told him they did not have enough money.
"There is a concern regarding appropriations," said Carolyn Nicometo, city comptroller. "Our cash is committed to other projects contracted up to 2018."
An unexpected expense involved the increase in recycling costs, estimated at $25,000 a month, said Anthony DeSantis, commissioner of public works. That would lead to a $200,000 expense, he said.
Galanti said the pumper would take Empire Apparatus of Niagara Falls a year to build. Second Ward Councilwoman Annette Iafallo summed up the city's plight Monday.