During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial implications and operational effectiveness of an airboat used by the fire department. The conversation highlighted the annual costs associated with the airboat, which include $14,000 for maintenance and an additional $26,000 for repairs and fuel. The fire department currently pays $1,168 monthly for access to the boat, which encompasses maintenance and depreciation costs.

Since its acquisition in February 2017 for $74,400, the airboat has been deployed in 26 incidents, although its effectiveness in each case was not guaranteed. Officials debated whether the airboat's high operational costs justified its utility, especially considering alternative methods for navigating challenging terrains like swamps and ice.

The potential sale of the airboat was also a focal point of the discussion, with estimates suggesting it could fetch around $75,000. The revenue from the sale would contribute to the motor pool fund, which manages the city's vehicle fleet. The meeting underscored the ongoing evaluation of the airboat's role in emergency response and the need for cost-effective solutions in public safety operations.