The Storm Lake City Council on Monday approved replacing the Storm Lake Fire Department’s Engine 75 and Tower Ladder 71.
Fire Chief Glenn Schlesser said both trucks are showing signs of aging as Engine 75 is 34 years old, and Tower Ladder 71 is from the late 1990’s. Both units recently failed pump tests and required various repairs to return to front line service. He said replacing the units will impact public safety and response for many years to come. A few different proposals were received, and Schlesser said Pierce Manufacturing submitted the proposal that most closely matches the needs of the department.
The new rigs will be paid for through bonding, and nearly a half million dollars is being saved over the life of the loan. The total cost of both units is 2.8 million dollars. The City can save 100 thousand dollars by prepaying for the trucks. A public hearing was approved for the next council meeting on November 18th regarding the issuance of up to 3.5 million dollars in general obligation capital loan notes.
The Storm Lake Fire Department has a total of eight rigs.
