Implementing a statute allowing for a purchase of over $20,000 with four-fifths of a majority vote, the Benton City Council unanimously approved the purchase of an aerial fire truck at a special meeting Wednesday.
Fire and Police Commissioner Don Storey recommended the purchase of a demo truck manufactured by Smeal Fire Apparatus, based in Omaha, Neb., at a price of $750,000. Storey said he was able to negotiate the price down from $818,000. The new truck will not be available until the spring, probably in April, the commissioner said. Smeal officials have agreed to loan the city a pumper truck and provide insurance until the new truck comes off the assembly line.
City officials will be required to make four trips to Omaha — at Smeal’s expense — during the construction of the truck, Storey said.
Storey’s motion, which was approved unanimously, was made with the stipulation that Finance Commissioner Dennis Miller be provided with a written contract.
Miller said the city recently paid off a truck that was financed at $4,100 per month. He said a new truck purchase should not cause an undue hardship on the city, estimating the new payment should not be more than $1,000 per month. City officials will be seeking a 2.19 percent loan from a local financial institution.
“I’m at the height of embarrassment right now as the mayor of Benton,” said Mayor Fred Kondritz. “We have to borrow a truck from Buckner — and I’m grateful to Buckner — but this is an embarrassment that we can not and are not fulfilling our functions of taking care of public safety.”
Kondritz added, “The sewer plant is limping along, we don’t have fire trucks in the city and we’re moving to a City Hall because this place is beyond its service to the city. I’m here to pull the trigger to get these things done. If there’s any heat, I can back up what I’m talking about.”
Storey reported trips to Texas and Louisiana failed to produce a suitable purchase of a used truck. He said the trucks were overpriced and did not meet the city’s needs. As a result, Storey sought estimates from four fire truck manufacturers, including Smeal.
“I think it’s a big relief for the fire department and its citizens. This is a purchase that will last for 30 years and these gentlemen are likely to protect their kids, grandkids and possibly great-grandkids,” said Fire Chief Shane Cockrum.
Despite the financial setback, council members were in agreement that they still want to move quickly on building the new police department facility.
“I do not want this put on the backburner,” Commissioner Ronnie Baumgarte said.
The city council will meet in regular session at its new building on South Main Street at 6 p.m. Monday.
