City Council:
AN ORDINANCE DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
AND AUTHORIZING THE IMMEDIATE REPAIR AND
MOTOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
ENGINE 206
Whereas, in correspondence March 23, 2026, the Mayor formally requested the adoption of legislation declaring the existence of an emergency arising from the compromised operational condition of Fire Department Engine 206, which presents an immediate risk to public safety and the City’s emergency response capabilities; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of its residents through the effective operation of its Fire Department; and
Whereas, Fire Department Engine 206 is a critical piece of firefighting apparatus that plays a vital role in emergency response, fire suppression, and the protection of life and property; and
Whereas, the motor of Engine 206 has experienced a failure or significant operational deficiency, rendering the apparatus compromised and unreliable for emergency service; and
Whereas, the inability of Engine 206 to function at full capacity presents an immediate risk to public safety and emergency response readiness within the City; and
Whereas, the replacement of the motor in Engine 206 constitutes a necessary and urgent repair to restore the apparatus to safe and operational condition; and
Whereas, the cost of purchasing a new fire pumper apparatus exceeds One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000), with an anticipated procurement and delivery timeline of approximately two and one-half (2.5) to three (3) years; and
Whereas, repairing Engine 206 by replacing its motor is a fiscally responsible and cost-effective alternative that will extend the useful life of the apparatus and avoid significant capital expenditure; and
Whereas, the City has recently added two (2) new pumpers to its fleet, thereby increasing the importance of maintaining a reliable spare apparatus to ensure uninterrupted fire protection services during routine maintenance or unexpected equipment failures; and
Whereas, immediate action is required to prevent disruption in fire protection services and to maintain the operational readiness of the Fire Department; and
Whereas, pursuant to applicable law and the City Charter, the City Council may declare an emergency requiring immediate procurement and repair actions in order to preserve public safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Emergency Declaration. The City Council hereby declares that an emergency exists due to the compromised operational condition of Fire Department Engine 206, which poses an immediate threat to public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Section 2. Authorization of Repair and Motor Replacement. The City Council hereby authorizes the immediate repair and replacement of the motor in Fire Department Engine 206 in order to restore the apparatus to full operational status.
Section 3. Procurement Authority. Notwithstanding any provision of the City Code to the contrary, the appropriate City officials, including but not limited to the Comptroller and the Commissioner of the Fire Department, are hereby authorized to take all necessary actions to expedite the procurement of parts, services, and labor required for the repair, consistent with emergency procurement procedures permitted by law.
Section 4. Funding. The Comptroller is hereby authorized to identify, allocate, and, if necessary, transfer funds from appropriate accounts, including contingency or emergency reserves, to cover the cost associated with the repair and motor replacement of Engine 206.
Section 5. Continuity Operations. The Fire Department is authorized to take any additional operational measures necessary to ensure continuity of fire protection services during the repair period, including the utilization of reserve apparatus.
Section 6. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or part of this Ordinance shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remainder thereof.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption by the City Council, in light of the emergency circumstances set forth herein, and upon subsequent approval by the Board of Estimate and Contract.