City Council Approves Purchase of $1.1 Million Fire Truck

The City of Glenwood is preparing to take on up to $2.5 million in G.O. (General Obligation) bond debt to fund several projects and equipment purchases, including a new $1.1 million ladder truck for the fire department.

Purchase of the 110-foot ascendant aerial platform fire truck was approved unanimously during a special meeting of the Glenwood City Council Monday, Aug. 5.  The new truck will replace an existing vehicle that’s 23 years old.

In addition to the fire truck acquisition, the city is considering adding more than $1 million in additional debt to fund other equipment purchases for Glenwood Fire and Rescue, vehicles and equipment for the Glenwood Public Works Department, Glenwood Police Department, Glenwood Park Board and Glenwood Cemetery. Some of the dollars would be set aside for infrastructure improvements at multiple sites, including the Marian Heights subdivision.

“It’s a lot of money,” Glenwood Mayor Ron Kohn said. “Because of the requirement by law to provide the fire service, that’s a commitment we have to make. The fire truck and the equipment for the fire truck is something we’re committed to. We are going to look very carefully at the other stuff and continue to work on this.

“We’re going to see if we can get some of those pieces of equipment or unfortunately we may have to do without for a little bit here. There’s going to be continued discussion on this.”

Glenwood City Administrator Angie Winquist said an ambulance, front-end loader and street sweeper are among the equipment purchases being considered along with facility/infrastructure improvements at Glenwood Lake Park and the city’s recreation complex.

Winquist said the additional debt would raise the city’s tax levy by up to 1.42 (per $1,000 taxable valuation), adding over $120 to the annual property tax bill for the owner of a home with a taxable valuation of $150,000.  The city’s plan is to pay off the debt over 20 years.

City taxpayers will absorb the entire cost of the new fire truck. Kohn said property owners in surrounding areas and neighboring townships served by the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department through 28-E agreements will not be contributing to the purchase of the vehicle.

A public hearing on the matter is tentatively scheduled for the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m., at City Hall.