The Manteca City Council is being asked on Tuesday to authorize buying a fire engine for use at a fire station it has yet to build.

It is not putting the cart in front of the proverbial horse.

The lead time between placing an order to have a fire engine  built and delivered is now pushing four years.

The $1.2 million Pierce built fire engine will be placed at the city’s sixth fire station that will be built in southwest Manteca.

During a closed door session before the start of Tuesday’s public portion of the council meeting, elected leaders and staff will discuss terms for acquiring a site for the sixth fire station. 

The $1.2 million price is based on a quote good until April 1.

The price is locked in if a prepayment is made by Aug. 1, 2025.

 The cost is being covered by fire facilities fees collected on new growth.

Station construction is expected to be complete in early 2029 with the engine delivery scheduled for Spring 2029.

The city also has to man the fire engine.

It will cost $2.3 million annually for nine firefighters needed for 24/7 staffing.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com