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Commission weighs cheaper used ladder truck versus $2M new unit
Summary
Members discussed buying a 2007 105-foot Pierce ladder truck for about $16,161 plus roughly $11,800 in service work, compared with a new-truck price estimated at more than $2 million; storage and accurate weight measurement were also raised.
The commission considered acquiring a used 2007 City of Madison 105-foot Pierce ladder truck priced at approximately $16,161. Members reviewed estimated service work—lubrication, inspection, pump work, waterway replacement and ladder inspection—at about $11,800, and noted possible additional expenses for tires, striping, painting, rust repair, undercoating, lighting and mirrors.
Commissioners discussed the value proposition of obtaining a ladder truck at substantially lower up-front cost versus purchasing a new truck that was estimated to cost more than $2 million. Members also raised practical concerns including winter storage for the truck and the need to obtain an accurate truck weight by using a certified truck scale to determine axle weights.
No formal purchase decision was recorded; the commission reached no final approval at the June 17 meeting and directed continued evaluation of repair costs, storage options and procurement trade-offs.
