Lincoln council approves $1.37 million fire engine and asks treasurer to seek favorable financing

The Lincoln City Council voted Jan. 20 to buy an E1 fire engine at a cost not to exceed $1,371,357. The motion, made by Missus O'Donohue and seconded by Missus Pear, carried on a roll-call vote with the members present voting in favor.

Why it matters: Council members said the purchase addresses public-safety needs and represents a major near-term capital outlay for the city. After the vote, the presiding official urged Treasurer Conso to identify a revenue or financing source to minimize long-term cost to the city.

What happened: "I firmly believe we should pay for that fire truck in full," the presiding official said, arguing the city should consider prepaying if it can earn a higher return on prepayment than the borrowing cost. Treasurer Conso cautioned that timing matters: "The last time we looked at a loan ... the interest rates that we were getting were right in that 4.6% range," he said, noting that recent market movements could change the city's options.

Council direction: Members asked the treasurer to solicit loan proposals and return with options at the next meeting. No amendment to the purchase was made on the floor; the council approved the purchase and recorded its vote.

What comes next: Treasurer Conso will report back with financing proposals and timing recommendations at a subsequent meeting; the council recorded the purchase as approved and proceeded to other business.