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Council signals preference to pay cash for ladder truck; staff to pursue sale/auction of current truck
Summary
Council gave staff clear direction to pursue paying cash from capital/general funds for a planned ladder truck rather than borrowing and raising millage; staff also proposed listing the old truck on a specialized auction service with a $350,000 buy‑now and $330,000 reserve.
City staff briefed the council on options for acquiring a new ladder truck and the timing required to notify the county about millage in September. Douglas explained the options and asked for council direction on whether to borrow (with a millage increase) or pay cash from city funds; several council members said they preferred paying cash to avoid raising millage. "I don't see a reason why we wouldn't pay cash," one council member said, reflecting the sentiment of multiple members.
On disposition of the current ladder truck, staff recommended using a specialized auction service tailored for fire apparatus, noting a customary 10% commission and giving an appraisal near $250,000 but a suggested buy‑now of $350,000 and reserve of $330,000. Staff said any final bids below $300,000 would be brought back to council for consideration.
