Millcreek supervisors table $2.24M tower‑ladder purchase after concerns about funding and timing

Millcreek Fire Chief Cliff told the Board of Supervisors on June 9 that the township’s oldest tower ladder (a 2003 unit) has experienced recent cable and hydraulic failures and that a 2020 fleet study recommended replacement. He presented a single‑source procurement through Glick Fire Equipment / Pierce Manufacturing under Co‑Star contract 013‑E22‑242, with a presented price of $2,236,595 and a not‑to‑exceed build time of about 40 months.

Chief’s justification: Cliff said a 23‑year‑old bucketed tower ladder has had multiple cable failures and other failures in recent years and that NFPA guidance and the 2020 fleet study support replacement to reduce safety and liability risks.

Board concerns and action: supervisors raised questions about whether using fire‑relief pass‑through funds (the township reported roughly $360,000/year of relief money) or reserves to pre‑fund a vehicle with such a long lead time would create future obligations. Members also discussed financing options (5‑, 10‑ or 15‑year notes) and whether overlapping payments from engines already on order would be manageable. After discussion Supervisor Morris moved to table the authorization to sign a purchase agreement and the motion passed; the board asked staff to return with Treasurer Paige’s financing recommendation and further analysis.

Next step: the board requested additional financial scenarios and treasurer input before authorizing contract execution. Chief Cliff said the department will continue maintenance of existing apparatus while the board considers financing.