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Council discusses financing options for fire-truck replacements as unit costs rise toward $1.5M–$1.7M
Summary
Members discussed whether to continue annual transfers into an equipment fund or shift to debt service; staff said earlier trucks cost about $1.2M and projected future trucks could reach $1.5M–$1.7M, and the current debt-transfer approach may be restructured so beneficiaries pay.
Council and staff discussed long-term planning for fire-truck replacement and whether to continue annual transfers to an equipment replacement fund or establish formal debt service. One council member noted historical costs: "Way way back then, you know, 5 years ago, you could buy a fire truck for 500,000. Now and we bought 1 board 1 2 years ago, it was for 1,200,000. Now they're they're pushing 1.5, 1.7."
Staff said the plan is to set up debt service rather than continuing a recurring $125,000 transfer so that the taxpayers benefiting at the time of purchase bear the cost. They emphasized the city has money in reserves to cover current obligations if needed but that growth in equipment costs and replacement cadence will require planning.
