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Pelican Rapids council adopts 2027 fire budget; approves purchase to replace Rescue 2
Summary
Council adopted the 2027 Fire Department budget, which slightly lowers total department expenses from $342,000 to $328,000 while increasing billings to townships and the city from $279,000 to $315,000; it also approved buying a replacement F‑250 to serve as Rescue 2 and to sell the Yukon.
The Pelican Rapids City Council adopted the Fire Department’s 2027 budget and approved an equipment purchase to replace Rescue 2 during its July 14 meeting.
Fire Chief Shad Hansen told the council the department previously sold Engine 2 and plans to buy a used 2020 F‑250 crew cab to serve as Rescue 2, funded in part by engine sale proceeds and by selling the Yukon. “We talked about selling engine 2, sold engine 2, looking for approval to buy… an F250 crew cab, 2020, for Rescue 2,” Chief Hansen said. The council approved the purchase by voice vote.
On the budget, a committee member summarized trending numbers: “You can see the total expenses are going down from 342,000 down to 328,000. But… how much we’re gonna bill out to the townships in the city, that’s actually increasing from 279,000 up to 315,000.” Committee members explained the changes reflected recent equipment purchases and the scheduled end of some lease payments in 2027; council discussed anticipated equipment needs for 2028 and later, including a tanker and subsequent engine replacements.
The budget was adopted by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally. Council directed staff to continue planning for upcoming equipment needs and to monitor payments and billing to townships.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the approved equipment purchase process and return to council with procurement details or if additional approvals are required.
