Council considers $500,000 Mineral Royalty Grant application for new fire apparatus; city to match funds
January 27, 2025 | Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming
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Sheridan City Council discussed Resolution 4-25 on Jan. 27, 2025, authorizing submission of a Mineral Royalty Grant (MRG) application requesting $500,000 toward purchase of a new fire apparatus.
Fire Chief Gary Harnish told council both of the department’s engines are 16 years old; one was rated “fair” and the other “poor.” He said manufacturers currently estimate lead times of up to four years from contract signing to delivery. “Currently Sheridan Fire Rescue has two engines. Both are 16 years old and both rated as fair. Well, one's fair, one's poor,” Harnish said.
Chief Harnish said the department intends to submit an MRG application asking for $500,000 and that the city would need to match up to 100% of the grant. He said $250,000 already is in last year’s budget and that the administration would seek a further $250,000 in the coming year to complete the $500,000 local match if needed. Staff noted manufacturer price estimates in the presentation ranged between $1.2 million and $1.3 million per apparatus.
Council members sought payment and timeline details. Staff explained MRG reimbursement and contract-payment timing can be structured in multiple ways and that the city could stagger payments or pay over time. The administration reported that if awarded the grant and the city appropriates matching funds, the city could pay and then seek reimbursement under MRG rules; alternative payment options (upfront, milestone payments, deferred payments) are available from vendors.
Members asked about fleet strategy: whether to order two apparatus at once to keep vehicle vintages aligned. The chief said historically the city ordered pairs but current cost and timing may lead to staggering purchases; the existing engine in “fair” condition would remain in service longer while a replacement is phased in. Harnish also referenced other apparatus needs (hazmat vehicle) and noted state funding efforts for that replacement.
No formal grant application vote was recorded at the study session; staff presented the proposed grant application and explained funding options. Council members asked for additional financial details and timing for ordering, and staff said the MRG application will proceed consistent with available matching funds and budget priorities.
Key figures presented: MRG request $500,000; manufacturer estimate per new engine $1.2–$1.3 million; city match 100% possible with $250,000 already budgeted for FY2025; estimated vendor lead time about four years.
Fire Chief Gary Harnish told council both of the department’s engines are 16 years old; one was rated “fair” and the other “poor.” He said manufacturers currently estimate lead times of up to four years from contract signing to delivery. “Currently Sheridan Fire Rescue has two engines. Both are 16 years old and both rated as fair. Well, one's fair, one's poor,” Harnish said.
Chief Harnish said the department intends to submit an MRG application asking for $500,000 and that the city would need to match up to 100% of the grant. He said $250,000 already is in last year’s budget and that the administration would seek a further $250,000 in the coming year to complete the $500,000 local match if needed. Staff noted manufacturer price estimates in the presentation ranged between $1.2 million and $1.3 million per apparatus.
Council members sought payment and timeline details. Staff explained MRG reimbursement and contract-payment timing can be structured in multiple ways and that the city could stagger payments or pay over time. The administration reported that if awarded the grant and the city appropriates matching funds, the city could pay and then seek reimbursement under MRG rules; alternative payment options (upfront, milestone payments, deferred payments) are available from vendors.
Members asked about fleet strategy: whether to order two apparatus at once to keep vehicle vintages aligned. The chief said historically the city ordered pairs but current cost and timing may lead to staggering purchases; the existing engine in “fair” condition would remain in service longer while a replacement is phased in. Harnish also referenced other apparatus needs (hazmat vehicle) and noted state funding efforts for that replacement.
No formal grant application vote was recorded at the study session; staff presented the proposed grant application and explained funding options. Council members asked for additional financial details and timing for ordering, and staff said the MRG application will proceed consistent with available matching funds and budget priorities.
Key figures presented: MRG request $500,000; manufacturer estimate per new engine $1.2–$1.3 million; city match 100% possible with $250,000 already budgeted for FY2025; estimated vendor lead time about four years.
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