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Finance committee recommends full board consider Sourcewell/Pierce financing for replacement pumper
Summary
The committee voted to recommend that the full Lake Bluff board consider purchase of a replacement fire pumper via a Sourcewell/Pierce procurement and lease‑purchase financing arrangement. Staff and the fire chief described fleet needs, procurement route, and expected life cycle.
The Lake Bluff finance committee on Oct. 27 recommended the full board consider a Sourcewell procurement and Pierce lease‑purchase to acquire a replacement fire pumper that will serve as the village’s primary first‑response unit for both EMS and fire incidents.
Finance staff explained the village has an aging fleet (including a 1995 unit still in service) and has long maintained a sinking fund to replace apparatus. Staff said production lead times and procurement rules make it appropriate to secure a purchase order now and begin prepayments under the Pierce financing option. Staff explained that prepaying will reduce net present cost and estimated the present‑value cost of early payments at about $80,672 over four prepayments.
Chief Marsh described the operational rationale for a combined pumper/EMS first‑response apparatus: the apparatus will act as the first‑out unit for both fire and emergency medical calls, reduce wear on the department’s other rigs and extend their service lives. The chief said the village historically purchases Pierce apparatus and that joint procurement through Sourcewell provides competitive national pricing; some limited customization was discussed but the proposed unit is close to the base configuration.
Committee members asked about fleet timing and future replacement needs; the chief said apparatus are expected to be held for decades and that replacement planning will continue as production lead times and department needs evolve. The committee moved, seconded and voted to forward a recommendation to the full board to proceed with the Pierce/Sourcewell purchase and financing.
Staff will bring a formal PO and recommendation to the next full‑board meeting for final direction.
