Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fire Department Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fort Wayne council approves $2.52 million 100-foot ladder truck for Fire Department
Summary
The Fort Wayne Common Council voted to approve purchase of a 100-foot Pierce Enforcer tower ladder truck for $2,516,800. The vehicle is expected to be delivered in roughly 46'150 months (around 2030); the current unit will move to reserve status.
The Fort Wayne Common Council on April 28 approved an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a 100-foot Pierce Enforcer Ascendant tower ladder truck for the Fort Wayne Fire Department at a total cost of $2,516,800.
Fire Chief Eric Leahy told the council the expected delivery window for the new apparatus is "approximately 46 to 50 months after the complete execution of the purchase agreement," with delivery anticipated in 2030. He said the purchase order will encumber funds now but no payment will be made to the vendor until delivery and successful completion: "no money will be paid to Pierce Manufacturing or McQueen Equipment until we take delivery of that apparatus in 2030." After delivery, the new truck will be assigned to Station 1 and the current frontline truck will move into reserve status, where it is expected to provide roughly five more years of service.
Council members questioned lead times, expected service life and how the purchase would affect future capital plans. Leahy said the department manages vehicle life with a points-based system and expects a typical apparatus life of about 12 to 15 years. On funding and lease arrangements, Leahy explained the vehicle will be placed on the city's vehicle-lease line in the Fire Department's budget after delivery and that the controller's office manages lease placements.
Councilman Jeff Paddock moved a due-pass recommendation in committee; the committee recorded a favorable recommendation (9'00). The ordinance later came to the full council for final passage and was approved on passage (8'0). The approved contract will be executed through the city's Department of Purchasing with McQueen Equipment LLC (Pierce Manufacturing) for the specified amount.
The council's approval secures the purchase order and obligates the city to accept delivery under the terms discussed; actual cash outlays are projected to begin only upon delivery and placement on the vehicle lease in 2030. The council did not specify additional funding sources beyond the department's budget and the controller-managed lease program.
