HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Fire Chief Steve Beer will go before the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday asking them to spend COVID relief funds to help purchase equipment he feels is necessary to mitigate the wildfire problem in the county.
Beer wants to replace three brush trucks, purchase new personal protective gear and bring existing brush trucks up to current standards. Beer also wants to replace lost tools, hose and equipment from the recent fires. The total request comes to $880,000.
Beer says he has talked with City Finance Director Angela Richard and ARPA funds can be used for this type of purchase. Beer says in light of the current climate situation he will also request that the bids go out as soon as possible so it is ready for next year's wildfire season.
The matter goes before the city council during their Tuesday meeting at 9 a.m. at the Hutchinson city offices.
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