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Noblesville schedules public hearing on funds for firefighters’ breathing apparatuses
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance No. 38-10-25 to fund replacement self-contained breathing apparatuses for the fire department, set a public hearing for the next regular meeting and was told purchasing upfront in 2025 would avoid an estimated $150,000 in interest compared with five-year financing.
The Noblesville City Council on Oct. 21 introduced Ordinance No. 38-10-25, which would approve an additional appropriation request to fund firefighter safety equipment, and established a public hearing for the next regular council meeting.
Tom McDonald, deputy financial officer, told the council the purchase would replace the department’s self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), which he said are “at the end of their life cycle.” McDonald said the department had previously proposed financing the purchase over five years beginning in 2026 but the city is advancing a lump-sum upfront purchase in 2025. "This action would save or avoid interest cost of $150,000 estimated," he said. McDonald added that reserve balances in the fire cumulative capital fund and the cumulative capital development fund are available to support the purchase; those funds are restricted for this type of equipment.
Council members moved and seconded to introduce the ordinance and to set a public hearing at the next regular meeting; both motions passed by hand vote, 5–0.
At the meeting McDonald offered to answer questions about specifications and funding; no additional public comment or technical details (vendor, per-unit cost or total appropriation amount) were provided during the session. The council will hold the public hearing at its next regular meeting.
