Fire trucks are essential to any fire department, and replacing them is expensive. The trucks have a recommended front line use of 10 years, with an additional 10 years of secondary use, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The engine/pumper truck currently in use by the Brooksville Fire Department is 15 years old, so the City Council instructed Fire Chief David Freda to purchase a new one. In January, the City Council asked Freda to return with options for obtaining funds to pay the balance.
Freda explained that a down payment of $220,000 was already paid toward a replacement truck, funds the City Council authorized. That left a balance of $247,153.31. Freda stated he worked with the Finance Director and USDA Rural Development on a loan/grant program which would contribute $50,000 toward the balance. The State of Florida allotted only $350,000 for the entire state, Freda said. The balance will be a 15-year loan with a “locked in” 2.87% interest rate if they can finalize by the end of June.
Council member Betty Erhard asked about the disposition of the old truck. Freda stated it would be sold as surplus, likely to Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department, which is currently using a much older model, has expressed interest in the truck as a reserve unit. Approximately $5,000 in repairs have been completed, and the truck still meets NFPA standards. The City Council approved the resolution 5-0, authorizing the mayor to sign the loan agreement for the purchase of the new fire truck, which will be delivered in August.