An intermittent defect on one of the Ottumwa Fire Department’s firetrucks turned into a discussion about possible changes to the fleet during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
The water pressure governor and message panel, which communicates to a remote message center that maintains water pressure throughout various volumes of use by varying engine RPM, has experienced a failure on Truck #317, said Ottumwa Public Works Department Director Larry Seals.
The truck itself, a 2003 American LaFrance Pumper Truck, has some wear and tear, with over 107,000 miles and more than 9,000 hours as of July 30. Original parts aren’t available because of the truck’s age, and the repair would cost between $11,125 and $12,125 for parts and labor; no local technician exists to fix the problem.
Councilman Bob Meyers asked Seals if there was any warranty still left on the truck, and Seals said it was too old.