Board delays purchase of six fire trucks after debate over rates, prepayment penalties

A proposal to finance six fire trucks through a master lease with PNC Bank failed Oct. 21 after extended debate over interest rates, prepayment penalties and alternative funding sources.

County presenters said the county had negotiated a financing rate and faced an imminent manufacturer price increase effective Nov. 1 that would add roughly 3% to the purchase price if the board delayed the order. Fire Department leaders and staff said the trucks are needed to maintain fleet readiness under a multi‑year replacement plan.

Commissioners pressed staff on several issues: whether existing SPLOST (special-purpose local-option sales tax) allocations could fund the purchase, whether other financing or bond options could yield a lower rate, and the financial impact of a prepayment penalty included in the PNC agreement. Commissioner John Davis specifically raised concern about the penalty and said the board needed more time to explore alternatives.

Chief Landry Murchison and county financial staff explained that the department had planned a staggered replacement cycle for apparatus, that delivery queues for custom-built trucks can run multiple years, and that the manufacturer had offered the quoted price contingent on timely order placement. Deputy Chief Operating Officer Marcus and finance staff described how $1 million already budgeted in the Fire Fund would be used as a down payment, reducing the financed amount.

After discussion the board held two votes. A resolution to authorize the PNC master-lease financing was put to a vote and did not pass. Commissioners then voted to table the related procurement item to the board’s Nov. 4 meeting to allow further review of financing options and terms.

Separately the board approved a budget amendment to carry forward prior-year Fire Fund construction projects (budget amendment 4-3), including a public-safety water-rescue training center, a headquarters clinic and Station 15. That amendment passed unanimously; a smaller budget amendment to fund appraisals related to a potential state-operated behavioral health facility (budget amendment 4-5) also passed later in the meeting.

What’s next: Commissioners instructed staff to return with additional financing analysis and options for the Nov. 4 meeting so the board can re-evaluate before the manufacturer price change takes effect.