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Westchester fire chief: previously considered ladder truck won’t fit; board to pursue other options and capital-funding plan
Summary
The fire chief said a ladder truck previously discussed will not fit in the village firehouse; trustees and staff discussed continuing the search for a suitable apparatus and establishing a vehicle/equipment fund to stagger future purchases and reduce budget shocks.
The village fire chief updated trustees that a ladder truck the department had been considering will not fit in the existing firehouse and that the search for an appropriately sized apparatus is ongoing.
"The truck that I talked to about a couple weeks ago will not fit in our firehouse," the chief said, reporting that staff received clearer drawings and are continuing to look for a vehicle that meets operational needs and fits the facility.
Village staff and trustees used the discussion to frame a broader capital‑planning conversation. A staff member described the typical municipal practice of establishing a vehicle and equipment fund and staggering purchases so that the village does not face multiple large replacements in a single year.
The discussion covered options including leasing, loan structures (8–12 years mentioned), and the need to identify how loan payments would be funded before committing to purchases. Trustees and staff agreed to consider setting aside dollars in the upcoming fiscal year to begin a rolling capital plan and to present financing scenarios for future board action.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will continue searching for apparatus that fits and will return with budget proposals for committee review.
