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Commission moves to trade aging ladder truck for mini pumper amid rising replacement costs
Summary
City staff presented a proposed no‑cost trade of the department's 2006 ladder truck for a 2016 mini pumper, citing low usage of the ladder truck, high replacement costs and a FEMA authorization; the commission gave verbal consent while a formal process is completed.
City public‑safety and fire officials proposed trading the department’s aging ladder truck for a 2016 mini pumper, telling the Benton Harbor City Commission the swap would reduce maintenance costs and better match the department’s operational needs.
Fire department staff said the 2006 ladder truck — originally funded with a $634,000 grant — was used on seven calls last year and “in none of those seven responses did the ladder go up.” Officials said replacing the ladder today would cost at least $3 million and could reach $4 million if delayed; the ladder has a projected 25‑year maximum lifespan and is about 17 years old.
The proposed option presented to the commission is an even trade with a 2016 mini pumper valued at $264,000, which the department said would cost far less to operate, access narrow streets and alleys and reduce fuel and maintenance drain. Staff said the mini pumper can be re‑chassised when aging components need replacement, potentially extending its useful life.
Staff also said federal authorization from FEMA — which originally helped fund the ladder truck — arrived the day of the meeting; that authorization was required before the trade could move forward. Staff asked for direction because a hold on the trade was scheduled to expire the following day.
Commissioners expressed support on a consent motion in the public meeting; the transcript records verbal “yes” responses and staff noted the manager’s recommendation, but it does not include a formal roll‑call tally in the record provided.
Staff framed the swap as a cost‑avoidance measure: the ladder has had limited practical use recently, ongoing maintenance and an upcoming set of large capital replacement costs; the mini pumper would be deployed to reduce wear on larger rigs and serve tight‑access calls on beaches, ravines and alleys.
Next procedural steps recorded in the meeting: staff will proceed with the procurement/trade steps consistent with FEMA authorization and bring formal documentation to the commission for final approval and recordation.
