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A proposal of more than $2 million by the city Bureau of Fire to replace two pieces of city fire apparatus.
City Fire Chief Mark Killian presented a plan Tuesday with a $1.5 million price tag to replace a ladder truck and $600,000 for an engine. City Council's finance committee reviewed the option of a multi-year lease costing the city $245,000 a year until 2031.
It's a rough time for taxpayers, as COVID-19 has ended jobs and led to furloughs and high unemployment. But the firefighters are operating vehicles requiring maintenance and upkeep.
"I am trying to wrap my head around the figures," Councilwoman Liz Miele, committee chairwoman said.
The fire engine and ladder truck are estimated to cost far more than 1 mill of tax generates, which is $860,000.
Council approved a 2021 budget, signed by Mayor Derek Slaughter, which required a $50 tax hike on taxpayers.
But the fire chief was adamant the costs will only go up.
"We are due replacement of an engine and ladder truck," Killian said. If approved, the vehicles could be delivered to specifications and ready for city use in 2022 or 2023, he said.
The vehicles the city is considering replacing include:
• Tower One -- a 2011 Pierce Aerial truck purchased in 2010. It remains reliable but requires maintenance.
• Engine One -- a 2016 KME engine, which has considerable maintenance issues.
Killian said he sought direction from the committee. To purchase the vehicles outright would be $2.1 million, he said.
"We're trying to provide a realistic, data-driven apparatus replacement," he said. The fire engines need to be replaced every six to seven years and the ladder truck every 10 to 12 years.
He noted the department has struggled to maintain and upkeep its fleet, primarily because the prior administration went with low bids.
"That bit us in the long run," Killian said.
Not requiring replacement at this time are Engine 2-1 and 3-1 reserve engines which are 21 and 22 years old respectively.
"Our goal is to maintain a modern, safe and reliable fleet of apparatus," Killian said.