Whitestown — The Whitestown Fire Board on Dec. 3 recommended that town council approve the purchase of a 107-foot aerial quint from Pierce to replace Ladder 271, with a sales price of $2,018,800 and a projected 15–18 month delivery after contract acceptance.

Chief (speaker 2) told the board the vehicle is available sooner than a new-build timeline and would be procured under a special purchase determination through a purchasing cooperative, which the chief said yields a lower nationwide contract price. "...a 107 foot aerial quint from Pierce, with a sales price of $2,018,800 with a delivery time of 15 to 18 months," the chief said.

The chief said the department plans to fund the purchase from surplus lit funds currently available in the town's revenue lines and proposed an outright purchase rather than a lease. Board members asked operational questions — including which ladder would shift into reserve, how prior purchases compared and whether this chassis has any unusual specifications — and the chief said the unit is largely a standard specification with a 500-gallon tank.

Unidentified Board Member (speaker 6) moved a favorable recommendation to council for a purchase not to exceed $2,018,800; Chair (speaker 1) seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to recommend approval to council (vote recorded as 5–0).

The chief said the department will maintain an existing 2015 ladder as a reserve unit and plans future replacement of the 2019 ladder to keep the replacement cycle on schedule. The chief also noted the department is pursuing final steps on a DEA license to enable in-house narcotics purchases, which officials said is preparation for future operational needs.

Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to town council for formal contract approval and any special purchase determination needed under state purchasing rules.