Council rejects fire chief's truck request

BENTON — Benton City Council members spent nearly $190,000 for a new street sweeper, but failed to act on a request from Fire Chief Shane Cockrum to replace a 31-year-old aerial fire truck.
During Monday's council meeting, Cockrum requested the city enter into a lease purchase agreement for a new aerial truck, estimated to cost $800,000.
Cockrum said the truck could be used for a dual purpose — serving as an aerial truck for structure fires and as a pumper. It was reported the fire department's last piece of equipment was purchased in 2006.
"It's an important piece of equipment for the city … we're one breakdown from being out of service," he told the council.
The city sets aside about $49,000 per month for capital expenditures in the department and Cockrum suggested adding approximately $2,000 to that fund from gaming revenues to help pay for the new truck.
Cockrum said the price of the truck he quoted was only good for 30 days. He also reported there would be no payment required for the first year and at the end of 15 years, the city would pay off the lease for $1. After the meeting, Cockrum said the annual payment for the new truck would be approximately $66,000.
Councilman Ronnie Baumgarte said he has nothing against Cockrum or the fire department, but suggested the city can't take on any additional debt.
"We can't spend the town into oblivion," Baumgarte said, pointing out the city currently has several ongoing projects, including the new sewer plant, the new interchange, new city hall and new police station.
"I'm proud of the fire department, but we've got more to look at," Baumgarte said.
Later, Mayor Fred Kondritz said he "appreciated" the remarks made by Baumgarte.
During his portion of the meeting, Kondritz said, "This council doesn't want to leave the next one in debt. We're walking down a thin line of procrastination versus progress. I thank this council for their vision."Council members failed to act on the request, agreeing to look at the expenditure in another year when finances improve.
Commissioner Don Wyant received approval to purchase the $189,610 street sweeper from Key Equipment, based in East St. Louis. The city received a $9,500 trade-in allowance, it was reported.
Finance Commissioner Dennis Miller pointed out there are specific accounts for these types of purchases after Wyant said he use no money out of the city's general fund to purchase the sweeper.
In other business, the city re-appointed Michael McGuire, Tom Malkovich and Robert Rea to the Historic Preservation Commission and appointed Chris Flener and Karen Mullins to one-year terms. McGuire was re-appointed to a three-year term; Malkovich and Rea were re-appointed to two-year terms.
Malkovich, the city's legal counsel, was also appointed to serve as the city's ethics municipal advisor.