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Committee recommends Assembly approve $60,000 purchase of aerial ladder apparatus
Summary
The finance committee recommended the Assembly approve using remaining FY25 funds to purchase an aerial ladder apparatus (a 102-foot ladder unit) for $60,000 pending mechanical checks and transport arrangements.
The Skagway Municipality Finance Committee on Dec. 3 recommended the Assembly approve the purchase of an aerial ladder apparatus using remaining FY25 funds.
Fire department leadership described the unit as a 102-foot ladder (an aerial 'stick') that provides an elevated master stream to reach parts of the historic downtown where building placement limits ground access. The chief noted the unit as proposed does not include an onboard pump, which reduced the price; the department planned to operate the ladder in tandem with a pumping engine and to verify pump and mechanical function before final purchase.
A committee member expressed caution about the low price: "It sounds more like a too good to be true kinda thing," the member said, asking whether maintenance tests and transport were included. The chief replied that the department would "verify and do all the maintenance tests" and that the purchase contact is being coordinated directly with the other department's chief.
The chair moved that the committee recommend Assembly approval of the purchase in the amount of $60,000; the motion was seconded and approved with the committee saying "aye." The recommendation will be transmitted to the Assembly for final approval and appropriation decisions.
Clarifications: The ladder unit will require a supply/pump arrangement to meet NFPA pumping standards; the committee discussed transport, mechanical testing, and operational limitations including wind restrictions in downtown operations.
