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Allegan council approves fire district budget and finances used tanker/pumper
Summary
The council approved the Allegan Fire District—s 2026 budget, which funds an additional full-time hire to shore up volunteer staffing and authorizes Resolution 25.36 to finance a used 2015 tanker/pumper through Huntington Bank at 4.5% APR. The district said the purchase and staffing increase aim to sustain response capability amid volunteer shortages.
John Cook, chairperson of the Allegan Fire District board, told the council the district—s 2026 budget includes funding for another full-time firefighter and a plan to replace aging apparatus.
"We are going to put out for bids in December to start January 1, another full time person," Cook said, describing volunteer shortfalls and an increase in medical and traffic calls. He said the additional hire and budget adjustments are intended to ensure three-person coverage on several weekdays and reduce reliance on mutual aid.
Cook described the district—s cost-sharing formula (30% population, 30% five-year average man-hours, 40% taxable value) and said the district is seeking a used 2015 tanker/pumper from Oregon to replace an older unit with structural and reliability issues.
City staff recommended adoption of Resolution 25.36 to join Allegan Township in an installment-purchase financing with Huntington Bank at 4.5% APR for the truck. Councilmember motioned to adopt the resolution; the council approved it on a voice vote.
The resolution authorizes the city to enter the financing contract and participate with the fire board in the acquisition. Staff said Roger Swets (bond counsel) and the fire board would be provided copies of the executed documents after council approval.
The council also moved and approved the Allegan Fire District budget on a voice vote. Cook said the budget increase for the city—s share was roughly $90,000 this year when factoring vehicle replacement and the additional full-time position; he estimated the incremental cost for one full-time hire (salary, insurance, pension and taxes) at about $70,000.
The district indicated the new tanker should be in service by late January if the purchase proceeds as planned and that a closing/resolution is scheduled for Dec. 19 at the fire board level. The council vote concluded the city—s formal action; the purchase and staffing changes will be implemented through the district—s procurement and financing steps.
