Committee flags EMS/fire station and major road projects in five-year capital plan

Committee members reviewed the five‑year capital project schedule and focused discussion on public‑safety facilities and roads. Staff presented a capital stack that includes annual vehicle and equipment borrowing (~$1.1M baseline), intermittent road and reconstruction spikes (modeled in 2028 and 2030), and larger facility projects.

Harry Allen (Ellers) described the capital modeling approach and said the largest modeled facility is an EMS/fire station currently slotted for 2031 at an estimated $8 million. He noted the ladder truck purchase is already committed: "and then at the very bottom is a new ladder truck uh which is estimated 1.6 million in 2028." Committee members requested moving the station renovations to 2029 for planning and asked that any decision to issue debt be accompanied by completed studies and a clear funding plan to present to S&P.

Members also raised maintenance and funding options: purchasing in‑house equipment (an asphalt roller) to reduce future contract costs; pursuing grants (LRIP and others) to lower borrowing; and exploring targeted fund balance use for one‑time capital needs. Staff flagged that some projects (e.g., ladder truck) are already committed and that final timing will depend on studies and board direction.

The committee included timing adjustments for the fire/EMS project in its recommendation to the Village Board and directed staff to return with more detailed capital financing scenarios before any debt issuance.