St. James OKs interest-free loan up to $350,000 to replace fire department SCBAs after vendor support ends

St. James — The City Council on Oct. 15 approved an interfund loan to replace the fire department's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) after the manufacturer ended support and certification.

A fire-department representative told the council that the existing SCBAs will not be usable after Dec. 16 because the manufacturer stopped providing spare parts and dropped certification. The department attempted to secure grant funding but did not receive it, so staff proposed an interest-free loan from the electric fund to the fire department's general fund, to be repaid over 20 years and not to exceed $350,000.

"We are forced to buy brand new SCBAs even though we're not even halfway through their usable life," the representative said, explaining the manufacturer decision left the department without certified equipment. The presenter said three major vendors remain under consideration and the final vendor choice will be made at the next meeting once bids and specifications are reviewed.

Council members asked about grant prospects and timing; staff said grants typically must be secured before purchase and that the department had applied for the main available grant without success. The loan resolution passed unanimously. The first payment is expected Dec. 1, 2026; staff estimated the department's likely actual purchase cost to be near $300,000 but used the $350,000 cap in the resolution to allow flexibility.

The council directed staff to return vendor and procurement details at a subsequent meeting.