Plympton-Wyoming’s fire chief is getting a new vehicle, but the deal is leaving at least one councillor scratching his head.

In January, council discussed buying a truck for the fire chief’s use. Council agreed to buy a F150 pickup XLT 4×4 from Grogan Ford Lincoln for $41,486.00 according to the minutes from the meeting.

But in April, staff heard the delivery of the new vehicle would be delayed, possibly until next year. Car manufacturers have had a hard time getting auto parts and dealers around the world are now taking orders for vehicles to be filled months later.

In a report to council, Chief Darryl Thompson said he’s using a 1993 GMC pickup and it is using “significantly higher than normal fuel costs.” He also pointed out, it is reducing the re-sale value of the vehicle as the kilometres add up.

So, staff went looking for a used a similar used vehicle.

They found a 2019 Ford F150 4X4 SuperCrew truck with approximately 30,000 kms at Ron Clark Motors. “The tendered price received from Grogan Ford was $43,500.00 for the 2022 F150 with the municipal discount applied,” wrote Thompson in his report to council. “The cost of this 2019 F-150 vehicle at Ron Clark Motors is $47,495.00. Unfortunately, municipal discounts due not apply to used vehicles.”

Originally, the town planned to spend $40,000.

Thompson says by selling three fire vehicles, including a pumper, about $10,000 in revenue is coming into the municipality, offsetting the increased cost.

Council approved purchasing the used vehicle by a vote of 6-1 with Councillor Mike Vasey opposing the move.

“I don’t think its a good deal,” he tells The Independent in a text message. “I agreed at $35,000 for a small truck, then we decided the F150 was better. It was $43,000. Now we buy a used 2019 for $47,000, with a limited warranty? I don’t get it.”