Fiscal Responsibility and Fleet Updates at Spokane County Fire District #13 / Newman Lake Fire & Rescue

At Spokane County Fire District #13 / Newman Lake Fire & Rescue, we take great pride in being fiscally responsible with the resources entrusted to us. You may have noticed some "new to us" vehicles or apparatus recently added to our fleet or parked at our station, and we’d like to provide some insight into how these additions were made possible, all while being mindful stewards of your tax dollars.

Outfitting a brand-new emergency response vehicle can cost $80,000 to $90,000 or more when factoring in essential equipment. However, through strategic planning and smart purchasing, we’ve significantly reduced costs while enhancing our operational capabilities.

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Highlights from the Past Year

• Cost-Effective Vehicle Purchase:
  Last year, we acquired a fully functional Ford Explorer response vehicle for under $6,000. Subsequently, we sold an older vehicle for nearly the same amount, resulting in a cost-neutral upgrade.

• Exceptional Deal on Two Tahoes:
  While purchasing a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, the seller generously donated a 2012 model at no additional cost. Both vehicles were already equipped with emergency lighting and other essential features, allowing us to bring both units into service for under $50,000 total — a fraction of the cost of one new vehicle.

• Grant-Funded Brush Truck:
  We were fortunate to receive 2011 Type 6 Brush Truck (the green one) at no cost through a grant opportunity in partnership with the USDA Forest Service and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In addition, we received $20,000 in grant funding to assist in outfitting it for deployment. This vehicle now works alongside our two 2001 brush trucks, increasing our wildland response capabilities without impacting our local budget.

• Surplus Tender

       We sold a 1993 water tender, (that was replaced in 2022), for $25,000

• Surplus Command Vehicles

       We Sold an additional command vehicle that was no longer being used,

       a 2001 Jeep, for $4000.

       These funds purchased a patient transport unit for our UTV, which has been

       used several times over the winter months.

• 2008 Expedition sold for $5000

 

Net Value:

Since 2024, the district has sold a total of four vehicles, ranging in age from 17 to 35 years, generating proceeds of $39,000. During the same period, we acquired four newer vehicles, aged between 10 and 14 years, at a total cost of $36,600. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of surplus vehicles have exceeded the cost of the replacement vehicles by $2,400.

                                                                                                                             

We understand that the appearance of newer vehicles might raise questions, and we want to assure our community that these acquisitions were made with a strong focus on cost-efficiency and improved service delivery. Every decision was made with the goal of maximizing the value of your tax dollars while continuing to enhance the safety and effectiveness of our response operations.

Thank you for your continued support and for allowing us the honor of serving the Newman Lake community.

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— Spokane County Fire District #13 / Newman Lake Fire & Rescue