Fire chief outlines ladder-truck replacement plan, seeks grant and build commitment

Fire Chief Ryan Muk told the committee the department is planning to replace its 1995 ladder truck and is waiting on a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to determine final financing. He recounted maintenance and testing that extended the truck's service life and said National Fire Protection Association guidance generally cites 25 years while Fergus Falls historically keeps trucks about 30 years.

Muk described vendor visits and a committee review that favored an E1 100-foot aerial platform for stability, compartment space and warranty. He outlined the pricing landscape and explained capital planning: the city currently has about $400,000 in a capital account for the truck and proposed adding approximately $200,000 annually in the near term to build toward the purchase; he also discussed financing options for any remaining balance. "There's an Assistance to Firefighter grant... the grant max is $1 million," Muk said, adding that if awarded the grant would typically cover half the truck cost.

Committee members asked whether staff could enter a contract before a grant decision; Muk said staff can seek council direction to commit to building the truck but may not sign a purchase contract before the grant decision without jeopardizing grant eligibility. He also noted a roughly four-year manufacturer build time, meaning any contract now would still deliver the truck several years out. Council thanked the chief and asked staff to return with financing options once the grant outcome is known.