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Council approves purchase of Pierce aerial ladder truck; chief cites delivery timeline and cost-saving prepay option
Summary
The council approved purchasing a new aerial ladder fire truck recommended by the fire chief from Pierce. Chief Doug Spears cited a 30–31 month delivery, an optional rear-steer feature (~$60,000), and a prepayment discount (documented $180,000 savings).
The Saginaw City Council voted to authorize purchase of a new aerial ladder apparatus recommended by Fire Chief Doug Spears. Chief Spears said the city evaluated multiple vendors and selected a Pierce apparatus designed to meet the city’s needs while reducing customization and delivery lead times.
Spears said the expected delivery window from the chosen manufacturer is about 30–31 months and that prepaying for the apparatus yields a significant discount; for this purchase the documents show a prepayment savings of approximately $180,000. He also described an optional rear-steer system that improves maneuverability and reduces tire wear and maintenance; staff estimated that option at roughly $60,000 but said the long-term savings on tire and maintenance costs could offset the up-front cost. "It's about a $60,000 option on the fire truck," he said, arguing the improved maneuverability is valuable for industrial and some residential responses.
Council members asked about vendor penalties, failure rates and whether rear-steer systems were reliable; Spears and other staff said reliability has improved and the manufacturer offers a locking mode so the truck can act like a conventional tandem-axle unit if needed. The council moved to approve the purchase and the motion passed.
Council and the mayor commended the fire department for its equipment process and maintenance practices. Staff indicated the city will prepay the apparatus to obtain the discount and work with the vendor on a delivery schedule.
