The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, at its Aug. 10 meeting, denied a contract with Pierce Manufacturing for a new fire truck for the West Catasauqua Fire Company.

The board voted unanimously on the basis that the bid far exceeded the allotment in the township’s budget.

The contract presented to the board for the fire company’s new truck had a price of $562,756, while the 2015 budget estimated $450,000 for a vehicle.

West Catasauqua Fire Company Assistant Chief Donald Dreisbach explained the details of the bid specifications written for a new truck and answered a series of questions.

Fire Chief Robert Benner was also present, being summoned to the meeting. Benner said the task of preparing the bid specifications for a truck was done by fire company personnel, and he had no input. The fire company tried to get as close to meeting the allotment in securing competitive bids.

“We budget numbers. We are sort of stuck with that,” Commissioner Vice President Philip Ginder said. “Where are we coming up with the money?”

Dreisbach said the truck meets the specifications. The manufacturer is based in Wisconsin and has a facility at Bird-in-Hand and a mobile unit to come to the fire station, if needed.

“There is a difference between want and need,” said Commissioners President Linda Snyder, who added that the fire company and its personnel do a terrific job.

The board was told the cost may increase if delayed. Ginder said if Pierce wants the business, that should not come into play.

“I would like to get an opinion from the fire chief about the extra money,” Snyder said.

Benner said he had not yet reviewed the specifications or the estimate.