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Council authorizes auction of Ladder 401 after parts unavailable; department to rely on mutual aid
Summary
The fire chief told council Ladder 401 failed testing and parts are no longer available; council authorized staff to place the unit up for auction and noted reliance on neighboring departments for ladder service until replacement.
The fire department asked city council for permission to auction a ladder truck that failed mandatory testing and for which replacement parts are no longer available.
Chief Kevin Anderson (presenting as the department chief) said the unit — Ladder 401, a 1995 Quality Spartan aerial innovation 75‑foot quint purchased from Gainesville in 2013 — failed ladder and pump testing and that vendors reported the maker has closed and parts “are no longer available.” The chief said the truck’s prior wiring harness repair used a single salvaged part and that vendors told staff the truck cannot be reliably repaired a second time.
The department requested authorization to place Ladder 401 up for public auction. Council approved the request 4‑0. The chief said the department has notified neighboring jurisdictions that it will not have a ladder truck available temporarily and will rely on mutual aid from area departments if needed. The chief also said replacing or acquiring a second ladder truck will affect the department’s budget and is relevant to maintaining the city’s ISO rating.
No replacement purchase was approved at the meeting; staff will proceed with the auction and return with budget options should the department pursue a replacement aerial device.
