The Crestview City Council authorized a lease‑purchase agreement to reserve and fund a new ladder fire truck, approving the financing option recommended by city finance staff.

Fire department presenters told the council that aerial apparatus build times are currently about three and a half years, so the city must secure a build slot now to remain on its replacement schedule. Staff recommended option two from PNC Equipment Finance, which carries seven annual payments of roughly $357,000. The council motion authorized the mayor to execute the lease‑purchase documents; the vote was 4–0 with one councilmember absent.

Council members pressed staff on service history, warranties and local maintenance. Staff said Pierce was selected after a specification review of four manufacturers based on maintenance, warranty, and price; they said the department had not experienced abnormal issues with the current 2020 ladder truck beyond routine maintenance. The presenter confirmed the apparatus comes with a manufacturer warranty and that a servicing company located in Defuniak Springs will handle local service.

Staff clarified that the city will begin payments in 2026 to secure the build slot and that delivery is expected in about three and a half years after ordering because most aerial apparatus are custom built. Council members asked about payment timing and whether the recommended option was the lowest price; staff replied that proposals were similar and Pierce was chosen because of compatibility with the city's existing apparatus fleet and available options.

The motion to proceed and authorize the mayor to execute the lease‑purchase agreement passed 4–0 with one absence; staff said the purchase must be reflected in the next fiscal year’s budget.