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Council approves budget and purchase agreement for new aerial ladder truck
Summary
After discussion about ladder reach, bridge clearance and financing, council adopted ordinance 2025‑65 to buy a new aerial ladder truck with a projected ~24‑month delivery; sale of older equipment could offset part of the cost and staff identified appropriation needs.
Vermilion City Council voted to authorize the purchase agreement for a new aerial ladder truck, advancing the fire department's multi‑year vehicle replacement plan.
Fire Department leadership described the vehicle as a roughly 100‑foot ladder unit capable of reaching typical 5–7 story buildings; staff said the unit would likely be manufactured on a ~24‑month timeline from contract signing. Council discussed operational issues such as clearance for township bridges and tunnel height on some routes and asked whether the sale of the existing rescue vehicle could offset cost. Staff said dealers could market the old vehicle and that proceeds might partially offset the ladder price.
Finance staff and the chief described purchase‑payment options, including a prepayment discount and a deposit amount. Council adopted ordinance 2025‑65 after a roll call; council also approved an emergency ordinance later in the meeting for a related appropriation item. The finance director said an appropriation from fund 207 will be needed before month end if the council ultimately finalizes the purchase order.
Next steps: final purchasing contract execution after appropriation; staff to return with the appropriation ordinance and financing schedule.
