Miami County weighs $2.9 million plan to replace three engines and a tender; lease, bond and local financing discussed

Mark Whalen, the county's rural fire coordinator, told the commission the fire district is seeking to replace three engines and a tender and purchase four brush units, with total capital cost estimated at about $2.9 million.

Whalen outlined financing options: manufacturer lease‑purchase programs, local bank loans, or bond issuances. He presented sample numbers including a 10‑year lease purchase totaling $2.9 million at roughly 4.82% interest with an example annual payment of $372,003.60; 12‑ and 15‑year terms and comparable payments were also discussed. He said manufacturers may offer discounts (an example $5,000 off per truck with matching by the manufacturer) if the commission purchases multiple apparatus together.

Commissioners and staff debated whether to pursue a bundled manufacturer lease, a Rural Water Financing Agency bond (which may carry subsidized rates but has quarterly issuance timing), or local bank financing. Staff warned that choosing separate vendors for one department (Paola) could forfeit some discounts; they also discussed resale values for existing units and whether building brush trucks in‑house could reduce costs. Delivery and build times were discussed; if ordered this fall, equipment delivery was estimated in mid‑to‑late 2028.

No final purchase authorization was made in the study session; staff were asked to return with updated, detailed financing figures within a few weeks so the commission can decide before a likely October deadline.