Palatka Fire Chief Taylor told the City Commission on Sept. 3 that the department needs a ladder truck and that one vehicle is immediately available if the city acts quickly. Staff said waiting would likely mean a three-year lead time and higher purchase prices.

Why it matters: The ladder truck is a capital need tied to public safety, building protection, insurance rating (ISO) and the city’s capacity to respond to large or elevated structure incidents. Staff said timely purchase would affect firefighting capacity and future development plans that include taller buildings.

What staff presented: Chief Taylor and finance staff reported they had identified an available ladder truck previously ordered for another municipality and that dealers offered multi-year financing. One quote discussed a multi-year payment plan with semiannual payments; staff said earlier quotes suggested biannual payments around $56,000 for a larger principal scenario but that more favorable terms were expected from specialized lenders. City staff said they were also negotiating with at least three lenders, including a firm that finances fire apparatus.

Staff estimated a financing option could spread payments over 5, 7 or 15 years; staff told commissioners an illustrative 7-year financing might impose semiannual payments around $267,000 annually in debt service across the city’s budget lines (staff used this as an estimate while quotes were pending). Staff said the truck could be delivered by November if purchased now; otherwise the city would wait three to four years for a new order and face higher costs.

Commissioner questions and context: Commissioners asked about cost, delivery timing and whether immediate purchase would count as a sole-source opportunity because of the limited availability of ready-built ladder trucks. Staff said the purchase is consistent with the department’s five-year capital plan and that the immediate availability represented a rare market window.

Next steps: Staff said they were awaiting final interest-rate quotes and would return with precise financing terms. No formal purchase authorization or vote occurred at the Sept. 3 workshop.

Ending: The commission heard that acting now could keep the ladder truck on a practical delivery schedule and avoid escalating future costs; staff will come back with binding financing offers for commission action.