NORWICH – The City of Norwich Finance Committee seemed to have the current economic situation on their minds Tuesday night when they met to discuss bids for a new fire truck and the possible move of City Hall offices to the third floor of the firehouse.

Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo presented the three bids the city had received to the committee and explained the vehicle replacement situation at the department. According to the chief, one of the trucks is approximately 20 years old and the department is having a hard time finding parts for repairs. Another truck is only about 8 years old, but Chawgo said it was poorly built and costs the city approximately $20,000 a year in maintenance.

The city received three bids for the new pumper. Tyler Fire Equipment was the low bidder with an estimate of approximately $282,000; however Chawgo explained the company’s truck did not meet specifications. “The Tyler truck is not going to fit our needs,” Chawgo said.

The lowest bidder who met specifications was the Sutphen Corporation with a bid of $314,789. The city has received a low interest loan from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York for $225,000, but the remaining $90,000 would have to be spent out of capital reserves.

Finance Director William Roberts said the fund currently has approximately $141,000, but he explained that spending $300,000 was what the city was anticipating all along.

“I’m very supportive of getting good emergency service equipment and vehicles,” said Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey, “however I do have some concerns.” Jeffrey explained that the city is still paying approximately $37,000 a year for Engine 4. He cited recent ambulance and truck purchases in the last two years and explained he was worried about adding an additional yearly payment of $18,000.