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Finance committee approves $500 donation to kids fishing programs and buys $39,729.85 ambulance cot
Summary
The LaSalle Finance Committee voted to donate $500 to the Better Fishing Association’s kids programs and approved a $39,729.85 purchase for a Power‑Pro ambulance cot, while members discussed the city’s fire truck financing schedule and extended build times.
The LaSalle Finance Committee on Tuesday approved two spending items for community programs and emergency equipment and discussed the financing timetable for a planned fire engine purchase.
Chair: “Very good. We'll call the finance meeting to order, please.” The committee opened with a roll call and then approved the prior meeting minutes by voice vote.
On a key early vote the committee considered a request from the Better Fishing Association for support of its kids programs, which include a Baker Lake Expo and a canal fishing tournament. Members discussed past contributions — $250 historically, with $500 recorded in 2025 because no $250 contribution was recorded in 2024 — and concluded to keep the larger level of support. A motion to donate $500 was moved by Alderman Demons and seconded by Alderman Reynolds; a roll call recorded five votes in favor and one abstention (Lavery), and the motion carried.
The committee then approved a recommended equipment purchase for the LaSalle Fire Department: a Power‑Pro cot for the department’s ambulance at a listed price of $39,729.85. Members noted a trade‑in allowance for a 13‑year‑old cot and discussed the vendor’s Pro Care warranty, described in the packet as a roughly five‑year, bumper‑to‑bumper plan covering parts, labor, preventive maintenance and battery service. A motion by Alderman Thompson, seconded by Alderman Demons, to accept the RDO recommendation and purchase the cot passed on a roll call with all voting yes.
Members also asked questions about a separate line item for a fire truck payment of $133,710.81 shown in the bills list. Committee discussion clarified that the amount represents an annual payment under a 10‑year lease‑purchase plan. Staff noted the vehicle is not expected for delivery until May 2028 because current build times have stretched to about four years; as a result, the city will make multiple lease payments before taking delivery.
The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn, which carried on an affirmative vote.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of prior minutes: motion carried (voice vote). - Donation — Better Fishing Association kids programs: motion by Alderman Demons; second by Alderman Reynolds; roll call — Alderman Demons: aye; Alderman Thompson: aye; Alderman Patek: aye; Alderman Reynolds: aye; Alderman Lavery: abstain; Alderman Jepson: aye. Outcome: approved ($500). - Purchase — Power‑Pro cot for LaSalle Fire Department ambulance ($39,729.85): motion by Alderman Thompson; second by Alderman Demons; roll call — all recorded members voted aye. Outcome: approved.
Next steps and context: The donation will be processed by city finance per standard procedures and the ambulance cot order is to follow the vendor recommendation; the fire truck lease schedule remains on the committee’s agenda as staff continues to coordinate payment timing and delivery expectations.
