Fire department to buy new pumper truck | News for Fenton, Linden, Holly MI

 In a special meeting on Tuesday, July 16, the Holly Village Council voted 6-0 to approve the purchase of a 2024 Spartan top mount fire truck from R&R Fire Truck, and financing through The State Bank in the amount of $666,445. Council member Richard Kinnamon was excused from the meeting and did not vote.

 The special meeting and the purchase of the new fire truck came at the request of Holly Fire Chief Jeremy Watson.

 The fire department operates with two fire responding apparatus. The first is a 2004 engine and the second is a 1989 ladder truck. While aged, both trucks provide adequate firefighting capabilities, both have experienced high maintenance costs with many of the replacement part no longer manufactured, and much of the technology is obsolete.

 The fire department has been unsuccessful in obtaining any grants to purchase a new truck.

 While R&R was repairing the ladder truck, Watson learned that they had in stock a couple of new fire engines that were available. Watson said R&R’s Spartan ER Top Mount Pumper Truck best fits the department’s needs. The truck had a price tag of $666,445.

 Prior to the vote, Watson told council members that this truck is one of a few trucks in the state ready for delivery. He said operating with the current trucks is challenging. Maintenance costs continue to increase. He said the ladder truck sustained a fire a few months ago and the bill to fix it was $13,000.

 Watson said when the department gets toned out for an emergency, it takes three to five minutes to get the old apparatus out the door due to its age. “Seconds count,” he said.

 The fire chief pointed out that with new equipment, there is reduced risk of equipment failure and less chance of a worst case scenario. “Will our truck make it to the scene,” he said. He added that the tanker truck has holes and leaks water.  

 The new fire truck would boost moral of department personnel, it would provide continued protection and readiness for area residents and the fire department personnel.

 Watson said the fire department has an ISO rating of 3, just missing a rating of 2. He said he is confident that with this new truck, not only could the fire department be elevated to a level 2, but to a level 1. “We’d be the only volunteer department in Michigan that is a 1,” he said.

 The old fire truck is expected to go to auction. Watson said they could get between $55,000 and $75,000 for the old one.

 The new truck will come with a lifetime warranty on the tank, a two-year warranty on bumper to bumper, seven-year warranty on the pump and a four-year-warranty on the electrical. An extended warranty could be available for purchase.

 Village President Ryan Delaney asked Watson what would happen if the village didn’t buy a new pumper truck. Watson said there’s the potential that fire crews could arrive at an emergency and couldn’t flow water. “What if it’s your house… you can’t put a price tag on that,” he said.

 Council member Paul Harrington asked the fire chief if this new truck could save lives. Watson said, “Absolutely, no question.”

 Village Manager Jerry Walker said the village has an approximate fund balance of $1.4 million. After adjustments are made, it could be decreased to approximately between $900,000 and $1 million.

 Walker told the council that the village has the money, cash, but it’s not wise to drain the fund balance. He advised municipal financing.

 Walker said proposals for financing were submitted by The State Bank, Community Leasing and Huron Valley State Bank. The proposals were for a period of 15 years with the first payment not due until July 2025.

 Walker explained new revenue of community support from CLOUD (Stash) Cannabis now provides additional funding that could be used for the purchase of this engine. In the agreement with Stash Enterprises, they have a community pledge of $50,000 annually to be used as determined by the village. Stash has already made its first contribution for 2024 in the amount of $50,000 designated toward the purchase of a new fire engine, however, council could direct the funds for any use.

 Stash has not opened yet, however, Walker does expect it to open. If Stash does not open, other businesses have submitted applications to open in Holly, which could provide additional revenue. Loom, another marijuana dispensary in the village, has pledged $10,000 annually to the parks and another percentage to the village. Pledges are paid annually when licenses are renewed.

 Harrington said he was in favor, especially based on better safety for the community.

 Council member Debra Musgrave said it’s important to have functional equipment.

 Council member Jim Perkins said if this new truck saves one life, it’s worth it.

 During public comment time, resident Sherlynn Everly said she does not disagree that the village needs this truck. She said, however, she had concerns with depending on funding from marijuana businesses to pay for it. She said she’d rather see the village take the money from somewhere else in the budget and if the “miracle money” appears, it could replace what was used.

 Village resident and interim North Oakland County Fire Authority Chief Matt Weil said he supported this purchase. “It’s a good truck,” he said. “Spartan is one of the largest manufacturers out there. It’s what you need.”

 Weil said NOCFA is looking at these same issues with limited funds. “I urge you to approve this,” he said.

 Following the council’s approval, Watson said, “We are super excited. HVFD has not had a brand-new truck purchased in over 20-plus years. This is a giant step in the direction we are trying to go. We cannot thank Holly Village Council and administration for the continued commitment to HVFD. The truck should be in the building sometime in September.”

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