Clear Lake (IA) Fire Department has felt the effects of inflation as the cost of a new pumper has increased by more than nine percent in just six months, according to a report published by the Globe Gazette.
The report said the department’s bid on a Class A pumper increased by from an estimated cost of about $650,000 to $710,483 with a prepayment option.
The increase was largely attributed to a stainless steel price increase of about 50 percent and increases in petroleum, according to the report.
For the prior six months, the department checked out seven apparatus manufacturers, but only got one bid on the apparatus, the report said, noting the department was disappointed that more bids were not submitted.
To make up the cost increase, the department is hoping the sale of two apparatus will offset the price, according to the report.
