Tooele City Council approves 7-year lease-to-own for new 100-foot aerial platform fire truck

The Tooele City Council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-78 on Sept. 17 to enter a seven-year lease-to-own agreement with Siddons-Martin Emergency Group LLC for a Pierce Velocity mid-mount aerial platform fire truck.

Fire Chief Matt McCoy presented the request and said the department’s 2022 fire study identified an urgent need to modernize apparatus as the city grows. McCoy described the vehicle as a mid-mount platform with a 100-foot aerial and a bucket (platform) on the end; because the turret sits behind the cab the apparatus is shorter overall and will fit inside Station No. 1 without building modification. McCoy said the truck will carry water and qualify as a “quint” (pump plus aerial). He noted current lead times and industry delivery schedules mean the truck’s expected delivery is about four years.

Chief McCoy said the proposal is a seven-year lease-to-own with a $500,000 down payment already budgeted and annual payments of “over $300,000” that total $2,272,293.54. He told the council the city would receive full prepayment discounts offered by the vendor, saving $356,925.46. McCoy also reviewed apparatus lifecycle considerations, citing NFPA guidance on front-line service life (15 years) and reserve retirement schedules, and said the department will retain existing older apparatus as reserve units.

Council discussion included clarification that the city currently operates two aerial-capable vehicles but only one meets the ISO threshold for an 85-foot aerial qualification; the new truck would add a bucket-equipped aerial to the fleet and help meet coverage needs across the city’s three response areas. Councilwoman Gauthier moved approval and Councilwoman Hansen seconded; the council voted aye (Councilwoman Manzione, Councilwoman Gauthier, Councilman Hansen, Councilman McCall and Councilman Brady) and the motion passed 5–0.