Monona committee approves purchase of a 2023 Ford F‑150 XL for fire department, contingent on budget amendment

The City of Monona Finance and Personnel Committee voted to approve a resolution to purchase a 2023 Ford F‑150 XL for the Monona Fire Department, contingent on passage of a separate capital budget amendment that the committee approved later in the meeting.

The purchase was presented after the fire chief described transmission problems with his current quick‑response vehicle and safety concerns when responding on the belt line. “My intent was to drive that until I retired,” the fire chief said, describing an older brush truck that began showing transmission problems in late October. He said he has experienced “6 near misses” while responding and had to add reflective striping after motorists failed to yield.

Committee members and staff said the committee allocated funding in the amended capital budget to avoid delaying a vehicle that was immediately available for purchase and upfitting. The chief told the committee he sought vehicles already fitted and ready because ordering on…