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Alpena council commits transfers, amends budget to finish funding two new fire trucks
Summary
Council approved a series of motions to commit previously transferred funds and move $333,861 from the general fund to the equipment fund, closing the remaining gap on two ordered fire trucks that together cost about $3.36 million.
Alpena city officials approved several motions to finish funding two fire apparatus already ordered: an aerial ladder truck and a pumper. Finance director Anna Saik told the council the aerial ladder truck list price is $2,007,980 with $150,000 in upfitting; the pumper is $1,053,493 with $150,000 in upfitting, for a combined cost of $3,361,473. Saik said the city has a federal appropriation of $1,105,000, a $900,000 bond, $922,612 already committed in the equipment fund and $50,000 previously transferred but uncommitted, leaving an outstanding need of $383,861.
Saik requested a transfer and commitment of $333,861 from the general fund to the equipment fund and a related budget amendment to correctly record prior transfers. Council moved in stages: first to commit the $50,000 previously transferred, then to commit another $50,000 in the fiscal year 26 budget, and finally to transfer and commit $333,861 from the general fund to the equipment fund. Council approved the motions by voice votes; council records show the final funding motion passed with aye votes recorded from the mayor and multiple council members.
Saik outlined the bond payment schedule: payments begin April 2026, with interest-only payments first and principal payments commencing in October 2026; the schedule is for 15 years and includes step increases in principal over time. Fire Chief Andrew (Andy) Marceau and several council members emphasized the need to replace aging apparatus and noted delivery timelines: the aerial truck is expected January 2028 and the engine in June 2028.
The council’s actions commit the city’s existing resources and record the budget changes necessary to move the purchase forward; they do not change the vendors or the equipment specifications already ordered. The motions included formal budget amendments to reflect prior and proposed transfers. The council will make bond payments over the 15-year schedule once the vehicles enter service.
