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Swatara board approves order for three new fire apparatus after heated debate over costs and financing
Summary
After hours of debate about timing, cost and financing, Swatara Township commissioners voted 4–1 to order a rescue pumper, a heavy rescue and a ladder tower—total list prices cited at about $5.4 million—while directing staff to pursue financing options and grant opportunities.
Swatara Township commissioners voted to order three pieces of fire apparatus after an extended discussion about equipment age, replacement timing and the township’s ability to pay.
The board approved contracts for a heavy-duty rescue pumper ($1,400,749), a heavy rescue ($1,519,024) and an aerial tower ($2,448,785). Fire officials said the vehicles will take roughly 42–50 months to build and deliver. Interim Manager Trafka and the fire chief said the purchases are intended to replace aging frontline apparatus and to ensure trusted response capabilities for the township and mutual-aid partners.
“Until [the trucks] get here, they’ll be past their 20‑year lifetime,” the fire chief said, urging the board that the apparatus are safety-driven needs rather than discretionary purchases.
Commissioners split over the timing and the financing. Vice President Steel voted no, citing concerns that ordering multiple high-cost vehicles at once could saddle future boards with large debt service. “I can’t bring myself to do it to another board,” Steel said during debate, noting uncertainty about discounts and possible loan structures.
Supporters countered that build times and rising equipment prices make locking in a contract now fiscally prudent. Commissioner Ray, who supported the purchases, said the board must plan beyond their own terms: “We have to make the right decision now for the township for the future.”
The board asked staff to return with financing options and directed the township manager and finance advisors to pursue potential discounts, prepayment terms and grant opportunities. Staff told commissioners they would consult PFM Financial Advisors to model repayment structures, compare leasing versus purchase options and examine whether staged payments or balloon schedules could reduce net cost.
The vote was 4–1 in favor of the orders; Vice President Steel cast the lone dissent. No final financing package was approved at the meeting; construction and payment schedules will be the subject of follow-up work by staff and advisers.
What’s next: staff will ask PFM to model financing scenarios and report back to the board. The vehicles are expected to be built over the next 3½ to 4¼ years, and the board will consider financing and possible grant offsets before delivery and payment milestones.
