Manhattan Beach approves $188,144 appropriation to upgrade ladder truck to 107-ft apparatus

The City Council voted to appropriate $188,144 from the fleet fund and authorize a purchase change order to upgrade an earlier-approved 75-foot aerial ladder truck to a 107-foot tractor-drawn tiller aerial.

Finance director Libby Breau explained that initial approval in May was for a 75-foot ladder truck costing about $1.6 million. With multiple incoming residential projects of six stories or more in the city's new overlay district, staff and the fire department determined a longer reach is required for effective rescue and water operations. The larger truck increases the purchase price by roughly $594,000; the fleet fund has an existing appropriation that reduces the immediate net ask to $188,144 this fiscal year.

Fire Chief Alexander emphasized operational benefits of the tractor-drawn tiller configuration — better maneuverability and the ability to position the aerial on taller structures. "It gives the opportunity for us to jack knife in a little bit closer... and it allows for an outstanding turn radius," he said.

Council debate focused on financing the upgrade and whether development impact fees might help defray costs of apparatuses necessitated by new taller developments; staff said a DIF study is underway and development-fee options will be discussed in the near term.

Outcome: Council member Hoorth moved to appropriate $188,144 from the fleet fund balance, authorize the city manager to execute the purchase change order, and approved a modest staffing adjustment in Human Resources; the motion passed 5-0.

Provenance: staff presentation and council vote recorded Nov. 18, 2025.

Speakers quoted: "The 75 ft ladder truck is unable to perform effective water and rescue operations for structures over five [stories]; a larger truck of 107 ft is needed," Libby Breau said.