SHELBY — A new fire engine is on the way for Shelby’s Fire Department and city officials are considering updates to water rates for residents and businesses.

Shelby City Council approved a resolution Monday evening to purchase a 2026 Spartan pumper truck for the fire department.

The truck will be supplied by Johnson’s Emergency Vehicle Solutions through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Fire Chief Sam Sauder said the total cost is $847,500 for the new pumper.

“It’s the tank we would take to any type of fire, our main engine,” he said.

Sauder emphasized the urgency stating changes in emission regulations next year could dramatically increase the cost.

“We made this a high priority when I approached the council with our budget,” he said.

The new truck will replace a 2008 engine, which will move into the department’s reserve spot as a backup rescue engine.

“If something happens to our main engine then we still have a backup,” Sauder explained.

The resolution declared the purchase an emergency to ensure the truck’s timely delivery.

In other business, council also held the first reading of Ordinance 5-2026, which proposes updates to water rates, fees and billing rules.

Council has first reading on water rate changes 

The ordinance adjusts charges for residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as fees for service violations.

Finance Director Brian Crum said the ordinance must go through three readings and a 30-day waiting period before the new rates can take effect.

“When we appropriated our budget, we assumed the increase would pass. If it doesn’t, we’ll have to get creative with financing,” he said. “We’ll have to look at some appropriations again.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Nathan Martin said council will likely pass the legislation as an emergency after its third reading, which would waive the 30 days and have it go into effect immediately.

Key proposed changes include:

  • Application fee: $10 for new or transferred accounts.
  • Residential customers (1-inch or smaller meters): $3.75 monthly for the Water Asset Management Fund and $6 customer charge.
  • Commercial customers (1-inch or smaller meters): $4.75 for the Water Asset Management Fund and $8.50 customer charge.
  • Larger commercial and industrial meters: $6.75 per meter for the Water Asset Management Fund and $18 monthly customer charge.
  • Elderly or disabled customers: Reduced rates of $1.75 for the Water Asset Management Fund and $3.50 customer charge per month.
  • Water shutoff fees for violations: $50 during business hours, $125 after hours.

The ordinance also clarifies monthly meter readings, billing periods and how estimated bills are adjusted when meters cannot be read.

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