Finance committee approves $500 donation to kids fishing programs and buys $39,729.85 ambulance cot

The LaSalle Finance Committee on Tuesday approved two spending items for community programs and emergency equipment and discussed the financing timetable for a planned fire engine purchase.

Chair: “Very good. We'll call the finance meeting to order, please.” The committee opened with a roll call and then approved the prior meeting minutes by voice vote.

On a key early vote the committee considered a request from the Better Fishing Association for support of its kids programs, which include a Baker Lake Expo and a canal fishing tournament. Members discussed past contributions — $250 historically, with $500 recorded in 2025 because no $250 contribution was recorded in 2024 — and concluded to keep the larger level of support. A motion to donate $500 was moved by Alderman Demons and seconded by Alderman Reynolds; a roll call recorded five votes in favor and one abstention (Lavery), and the motion carried.

The committee then approved a recommended equipment purchase for the LaSalle Fire Department: a Power‑Pro cot for the department’s ambulance at a listed price of $39,729.85. Members noted a trade‑in allowance for a 13‑year‑old cot and discussed the vendor’s Pro Care warranty, described in the packet as a roughly five‑year, bumper‑to‑bumper plan covering parts, labor, preventive maintenance and battery service. A motion by Alderman Thompson, seconded by Alderman Demons, to accept the RDO recommendation and purchase the cot passed on a roll call with all voting yes.

Members also asked questions about a separate line item for a fire truck payment of $133,710.81 shown in the bills list. Committee discussion clarified that the amount represents an annual payment under a 10‑year lease‑purchase plan. Staff noted the vehicle is not expected for delivery until May 2028 because current build times have stretched to about four years; as a result, the city will make multiple lease payments before taking delivery.

The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn, which carried on an affirmative vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of prior minutes: motion carried (voice vote).
- Donation — Better Fishing Association kids programs: motion by Alderman Demons; second by Alderman Reynolds; roll call — Alderman Demons: aye; Alderman Thompson: aye; Alderman Patek: aye; Alderman Reynolds: aye; Alderman Lavery: abstain; Alderman Jepson: aye. Outcome: approved ($500).
- Purchase — Power‑Pro cot for LaSalle Fire Department ambulance ($39,729.85): motion by Alderman Thompson; second by Alderman Demons; roll call — all recorded members voted aye. Outcome: approved.

Next steps and context: The donation will be processed by city finance per standard procedures and the ambulance cot order is to follow the vendor recommendation; the fire truck lease schedule remains on the committee’s agenda as staff continues to coordinate payment timing and delivery expectations.