The Oak Ridge City Council approved a $100,000 increase to an existing contract with Siddons Martin Emergency Group LLC, raising the contract ceiling to a not-to-exceed $300,000 for repairs, inspections, testing and preventive maintenance of the fire department’s emergency response apparatus.

Chief Solomon said the contractor performed a detailed inspection and identified unanticipated issues, such as front-end and drivetrain problems on frontline engines, which exceeded the previously budgeted amount. "We had some issues which it was great to fix," Solomon said, describing deep repairs uncovered during the inspection.

Council members asked whether the additional expense is expected to recur. Solomon said the extra $100,000 is to cover identified repairs and that routine preventative maintenance thereafter should cost less; he recommended budgeting roughly the original $200,000 level in future years with a contingency. He also said the contractor performs inspections and maintenance on-site and complies with NFPA standards and manufacturers' recommendations.

The motion to amend the resolution and increase the contract amount was moved and seconded and passed 7–0. Staff noted the company provides warranty coverage on parts per the contract language and will continue to work with the city on preventive-maintenance schedules and training for staff.