Fayette County Commissioners voted July 9 to pledge $200,000 per fiscal year, per department, to three fire departments for new apparatus purchases until each department’s $800,000 pledge is fully paid. The action sets a four‑year funding schedule for each department instead of paying $800,000 up front.

Commissioners had discussed the tradeoffs of paying the full $800,000 per truck immediately — which staff and some commissioners said could yield purchase price reductions and avoid finance charges — versus spreading the county’s commitment over four years. County staff and a commissioner explained that paying a lump sum could reduce the overall purchase price through manufacturer incentives, but the county administrator cautioned that the commission cannot count on future levy revenues beyond current projections and recommended a gradual payment structure.

The commission’s final motion (as amended) directed the county to provide $200,000 in fiscal 2025‑26 and $200,000 in each subsequent fiscal year until the $800,000 commitment was satisfied for each of the three participating entities. The motion also required departments to submit proper documentation (purchase or lease‑purchase agreements or manufacturer contracts) identifying the party to be paid; county staff said the county will pay whichever entity is identified in the invoice or contract. A county representative explained manufacturers’ lead times are typically "from 1 to 3 years," so initial payments could be made well before delivery.

Fire department representatives urged larger upfront payments where possible, arguing that higher down payments can yield manufacturer discounts and lower finance charges. One department representative said earlier purchases had produced savings when a deposit was paid at chassis delivery. County finance staff said $3.1 million currently sits in a state investment pool for levy funds; paying three $800,000 sums upfront would significantly reduce available balances.

The commission’s vote established the multi‑year payment plan and instructed staff to accept and review purchase documentation from the departments and to remit payments to the identified payee upon proper submission.