Elkhart City Common Council voted 8–1 to adopt ordinance 25-O-42, authorizing $2,700,000 to purchase a tiller ladder truck for the Elkhart Fire Department, council business recorded as second and final reading.

The department’s presentation said the vehicle would be assigned to Central Fire Station to improve aerial reach and maneuverability in downtown corridors and in fast-growing northeast neighborhoods. Fire Chief Rodney told the council the department’s study found downtown streets and newly constructed apartment buildings presented "tight streets, sharp turns, and limited access" that a tiller truck could better negotiate. He also said the department recovered roughly $800,000 from the sale of a heavy rescue apparatus and that more than $300,000 from that sale was returned to the fire cumulative fund. Chief Rodney said the purchase price includes training and equipment for the department team.

During discussion, council members pressed for documentation and value comparisons. One councilmember said the city had spent heavily on single vehicles in the past and asked for evidence that a tiller truck — as opposed to a standard aerial ladder — was required. The chief offered to provide the council the tiller-team report and comparative pricing and noted the department’s outreach to other municipalities that use tiller trucks.

Clerk Melody conducted the roll-call vote. The clerk recorded votes in favor from a majority of councilmembers and one recorded no vote; the chair announced the ordinance passed 8–1. The council did not take public comment on the item; the mayor opened the floor and no members of the public stepped forward.

Next steps: the ordinance was adopted and, per the chief’s offer, staff are expected to supply the study and procurement documentation to the council for the record and any further oversight.