Atoka council approves amended resolution to buy new fire apparatus, authorizes not-to-exceed financing

The Atoka Town Council on its regular meeting approved an amended resolution authorizing purchase of a new fire apparatus and a not-to-exceed financing plan.

Council members and staff discussed pricing, a prepayment discount and how the town would apply $351,000 in savings and a stated $105,000 prepayment discount to reduce the financed amount. Staff presented a not-to-exceed purchase figure discussed in the meeting as $998,221 and said that after the applied savings the town would finance approximately $647,221 over 10 years, producing an approximate annual payment of $67,557.

The fire chief told the council the manufacturer estimated delivery could take in the range of 34–36 months. Councilors pressed on contract language to capture expected delivery timing and on whether the town should rely on a future SAFER grant to cover any remaining budget gaps. The chief said SAFER grant funding could reduce the town's net cost in future years but could not be guaranteed.

Councilors also discussed the administrative steps required to execute the purchase, including possible special meetings to secure bond funds and final contract revisions. A motion to approve the amended apparatus resolution, moved by Alderman Jiani and seconded by Alderman Pool, carried on a voice vote after discussion.

The resolution as amended instructs staff to include the prepayment discount language and reflect the town's allocated savings in the payment section; the council requested contract revisions be reviewed by the town attorney before final execution. The chief and town administrator will return with final contract language and financing details as they are finalized.