Fort Mill Council approves first readings for fire-truck purchases and property sale, authorizes downtown events

Fort Mill Town Council voted on multiple measures at a regularly scheduled meeting, approving first reading of a budget amendment to buy two fire engines, clearing the way to sell the municipal building at 112 Confederate Street and authorizing downtown event dates for 2025.

The council’s action on the fire-department purchase was the most substantial fiscal item. The budget amendment 25-6 authorizes ordering two engines: one “stock unit” with a not-to-exceed purchase price of $1,100,000 with payment due at delivery (estimated 5–8 months), and a second custom-built engine priced at a little over $1,300,000 with payment due on delivery estimated in 48–51 months. Eric Davis, a town staff member presenting the item, said the amendment “will allow for the order and purchase of 2 fire trucks as described in the staff report.” The council approved the first reading of the amendment.

Why it matters: council members and staff said long manufacturer lead times require ordering well before equipment is needed. The town described the purchase as a mix of a quickly available stock unit and a longer-lead custom engine to meet specific local needs and to support planned station and fleet growth.

The council also approved on first reading an ordinance authorizing the sale of the town-owned building at 112 Confederate Street, the current site of council chambers, municipal court and the police department. Town Manager Carrie Vargo said operations are expected to relocate to the new Town Hall at 205 North White Street by March 28, and the expected closing on the…