Whitefish City Council Approves Emergency Vehicle Purchase Financing Plan

Whitefish City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing public safety by approving the pursuit of an inter-capital loan to finance the purchase of a much-needed ladder truck for the fire department. During the meeting on July 21, 2025, council members discussed the urgency of acquiring this equipment, citing critical response times in emergencies. The estimated cost for the ladder truck ranges from $1.5 million to $2 million, prompting the council to consider financing options that would not require immediate voter approval.

The decision to pursue the inter-capital loan is seen as a necessary measure to expedite the acquisition process, especially given the lengthy delivery times for fire apparatus, which can take three to four years. Council members expressed gratitude for the proactive approach, emphasizing the importance of having the truck available for rapid response to structure fires, particularly in high-risk conditions.

In addition to the ladder truck discussion, the council also addressed the need for a comprehensive planning update as part of the Vision Whitefish 2045 initiative. A request for proposals (RFP) for professional planning consultants was announced, with a budget estimate of around $200,000. The council plans to form a ratings panel composed of city staff and a selection panel that includes elected officials to evaluate the proposals.

The meeting concluded with unanimous support for both the financing of the ladder truck and the establishment of the planning committees, marking a commitment to enhancing community safety and long-term urban planning. The council aims to further discuss a voted levy for future capital needs, ensuring sustainable funding for the fire department and other emergency services.