Frostburg Fire Territory board approves resolution to pursue new ladder (tiller) truck, authorizes contract signing up to $2.4 million

The Executive Board of the Frostburg Fire Territory voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing pursuit of financing and purchase of a new ladder (tiller) fire truck and to authorize the board attorney to sign a purchase contract with a not-to-exceed price of $2,400,000.

The resolution, presented under executive board items, directs staff to approach the three participating units named in the territory's interlocal agreement to consider a financing plan for the new ladder truck. Board members said the truck would be paid from the territory’s budget rather than by issuing a bond or levying a new tax, and that proceeds from a planned sale of the current ladder truck would help offset the purchase cost.

Fire Chief (name not specified) introduced the item and told the board he had discussed financing options with the territory’s treasurer and accountant, saying their review indicated the financing approach should not create immediate cash-flow problems and that “we don't pay no money until the truck's delivered.” A board member who spoke in support said, “I do agree with this. ... I think we should move forward with the tiller. I do wanna make sure that we are planning to sell our current ladder truck, to help offset some of the cost for the tiller.”

The board discussed financing mechanics briefly. The chief said the contract figure in the materials included a high cap to ensure coverage in case final pricing changed, and he described options such as midterm buy-downs that the territory’s finance staff could consider. The board emphasized that the purchase was intended to be funded from existing budget authority and not through a territory-wide bond or tax increase.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the resolution authorizing the fire truck purchase; another member seconded the motion. The board chair called for the vote; all present members responded “aye,” and the motion passed.

Attorney (name not specified) confirmed the resolution included authorization for the board’s attorney to sign the purchase contract and asked for clarity that the authorization applied up to the specified not-to-exceed amount; the attorney’s request was addressed during the meeting and the authorization was included in the action the board approved.

Votes at a glance - Approval of minutes from Jan. 21, 2025 meeting: motion passed unanimously (3-0). The motion was made and seconded and approved by voice vote. - Approval of January 2025 expense and revenue reports: motion passed unanimously (3-0) by voice vote. - Resolution authorizing pursuit of financing and purchase of new ladder (tiller) truck and authorizing contract execution (resolution number not specified in packet): passed unanimously (3-0). The action includes authorization for the attorney to sign a purchase contract with a not-to-exceed amount of $2,400,000 and direction to approach the three participating units under the interlocal agreement to consider financing.

The board set its next meeting for March 18 at 5:30 p.m.