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Board OKs Ararat Volunteer Fire Department lease purchase for new apparatus
Summary
The Board unanimously authorized the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department to enter a lease‑purchase agreement to buy a 2026 Kenworth T480 fire apparatus; proposed financing would cover up to $550,000 with a $75,000 down payment and 18-year annual payments.
Andy Bryant, representing the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department, asked the Board for acknowledgment to pursue financing to replace aging apparatus and described the equipment and proposed terms.
Bryant said the department currently operates two pumpers (2004 and 2001 models) and a 31‑year‑old tanker, which are increasingly costly to maintain. He outlined a proposed lease‑purchase with Home Trust Bank for up to $550,000 with a $75,000 down payment, yielding annual payments of $46,936.44 over 18 years. The quote presented for the new apparatus was $621,631 for a 2026 Kenworth T480 with a 1,000‑gallon pump and 1,500 gpm capacity manufactured by US Pump Company in Holden, Louisiana.
Upon motion of Commissioner Melissa Hiatt, seconded by Commissioner Mark Marion, the Board voted unanimously to allow the Ararat Volunteer Fire Department to enter into the lease‑purchase agreement so the department can proceed with financing and ordering the apparatus.
