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Council hears fire department budget: capital reserve at $306,000; debate over buying a $300,000 tanker
Summary
City staff reported a capital reserve of about $306,000 and a separate fire fund near $31,000; council members questioned spending roughly $300,000 on a tanker that rarely rolls and emphasized policy that purchases above $5,000 should come from capital.
Administrator (speaker 6) reported that the city’s fire capital reserve stood at about $306,000 and that the bridal fire fund was about $31,000. He told the board the first 0.5 tax levy had been received and that the reserve will be affected by an upcoming air‑pack purchase and the timing of the second 0.5 levy in December.
"The capital reserve is right now about 306,000. The bridal fire fund, is about 31,000," the administrator said while reviewing fund balances. Councilors discussed how to use that reserve for rolling stock—specifically whether to buy a tanker that the chief said rarely rolls.
The fire chief (speaker 1) commented on truck usage and costs: "I have a hard time justifying $300,000 for a truck that rolls to 2, 3 quilts a year," expressing reluctance to spend large capital on low‑utilization apparatus. Council members reiterated the existing policy that items over $5,000 should come from capital funds and asked staff to present options for timing purchases and possible alternatives.
No formal purchase motion was taken; members agreed to review the capital plan and consider alternatives for equipment and staffing in upcoming budget planning for 2027.
