Bangor Finance Committee approves vehicle bids, ambulance purchase, and airport grants

The Bangor Finance Committee approved several vehicle purchases, including a sewer maintenance truck, a vehicle wash system, and a jet refueler. The committee also authorized the Fire Department to purchase a new ambulance using reserve funds and approved applications for two FAA airport grants. Additionally, the committee discussed the status of the city's annual audit and heating assistance funds.

Key points

• Committee approved the purchase of a sewer maintenance truck from the low bidder, Darling, for under $250,000.
• The committee approved a vehicle wash system bid of approximately $430,000, noting the vendor was new to the city but had references from other municipalities.
• A jet refueler purchase was approved at a higher bid because the lower bid was disqualified for missing required components.
• Fire Chief Jeff Lowe explained the decision to buy a new ambulance now rather than wait for the budget cycle, citing a demo model available in eight months and the need to expand the fleet to six units.
• The committee approved applications for a DOT small community air service grant and an FAA grant for Taxiway Alpha and Mike, with the latter estimated at $14.5 million.
• Public Health Director Jen Gunderman explained that unused heating assistance funds remain because other programs like General Assistance and LIHEAP are meeting most of the current demand.

Next steps

• The committee will revisit the Barbara Capacity Foundation donation item in a future meeting to discuss expanding the use of unused heating funds.
• Staff will prepare a council order for the DOT air service grant application to meet the May 4 deadline.
• The Finance Department will continue working on the annual audit, with a potential review of staffing resources if progress remains slow.

Read the full transcript