Council authorizes procurement of aerial ladder truck, staff to finance purchase via intercap loan

The Whitefish Fire Department asked council to authorize procurement of its first aerial ladder truck, which the department described as a critical capability gap as multi‑story development increases.

Chief Hadley said the department intends to purchase a Pierce Manufacturing ladder truck through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program. "By using Sourcewell, the city avoids duplicating the lengthy bidding process ..." he said, and noted the quoted price under the Sourcewell contract as "$1,883,000.565" and an anticipated delivery timeline of 39 to 44 months.

Dana and other staff explained that the city would finance the purchase through the Montana Board of Investments intercap loan program using mills authorized under state code; Dana noted the council may levy an additional 1.5 mills (estimated at this year's taxable value) starting in fiscal year 2027 to set aside funding and reduce the loan amount. Dana estimated the loan amount could be reduced to about $1,400,000 by holding cash in a capital fund.

Council moved to authorize the city manager to execute procurement and contract documents with Pierce Manufacturing; the motion was seconded and carried.

Council discussion included questions about timing of payments, whether down payments are required, and how the loan timetable aligns with the multi-year build window. Staff said payment would occur near the end of the build cycle and the loan application would be timed for the final six months of production.