Council approves financing to complete fire apparatus purchase, citing equipment reliability and schedule

Council took up Ordinance 26‑2032 (second reading) authorizing the city to enter a lease‑financing agreement for the acquisition of firefighting equipment. City staff said the city has already approved and signed the purchase agreement for the apparatus and is seeking to lock financing terms so long‑term replacement scheduling remains sustainable.

The finance and fire staff told council the goal is to maintain a steady replacement cycle (e.g., three engines rotated every seven years) and avoid sudden, large outlays that would interrupt service. Staff indicated the bank would lock a rate of approximately 4.88% if the council approved financing at this meeting; if the council delayed, staff said the city would need to find financing elsewhere or draw from other funds.

Councilmembers raised timing concerns—some suggested waiting for the new manager to weigh in—while others emphasized service reliability and firefighter safety. One councilmember recommended holding off, noting budget pressures and previous discussions about tax increases, but the council agreed to proceed with the financing motion and moved the ordinance forward on second reading.

The ordinance authorizes financing of apparatus the council already authorized to purchase; staff said selecting lease financing spreads costs and keeps apparatus within an intended service life. If the council had not approved financing, staff said purchases would still require finding other funding sources, such as general funds or a capital replacement fund.