Belvidere moves ahead with buying new rescue pumper

By Bob Balgemann

REPORTER

The Belvidere City Council has agreed to purchase a new rescue pumper from the Alexis (Ill.) Fire Equipment Company at a cost of $425,285.

The 9-0 vote with one absent came during council’s Monday, Dec. 19 meeting, and there was some urgency surrounding the decision. Aldermen were asked to approve the purchase on first and second readings in order to avoid a five percent price increase, which would be effective Jan. 1.

Normally, a proposal is introduced on first reading without comment. Then, it returns two weeks later for second and final reading.

Council agreed to waive that rule, 9-0, and then unanimously approved the purchase.

The agreement with the fire equipment company calls for a chassis payment of $210,766 to be made within 10 days of invoicing.

Equipment cost of $384,285 will be financed through American Capital at 2.476 percent interest over a six-year period. The first payment of $68,828.24 will be due June 1.

It will take about 10 months to build the new engine, and the department will use its 2002 American LaFrance as a trade-in, getting $8,000 subtracted from the price.

There was discussion at the Monday, Dec. 12 committee of the whole meeting about the trade-in amount, and whether the city could get more money by selling it online.

Chief Hyser explained American LaFrance no longer was in business “so no one wants them. It may be scrap for someone.”

“Are there any comparables out there?” Alderman Clint Morris asked.

“I did not look beyond the trade-in,” the chief replied.

Alderman Daniel Arevalo wondered if any grant money was available to help defray the cost of the new engine.

“Not right now,” Hyser answered.

Alderman Dan Snow asked about requesting $2,000 from the Boone County Foundation, since the new engine would benefit the community.

However, Mayor Mike Chamberlain said he knew “for sure” that the foundation did not help finance capital expenditures for governmental entities.

An element of levity was attached to the purchase.

Council back on May 16 voted 9-0 to reacquire Engine 1, a 1956 Mack that was the fire department’s front-line engine for many years. It was found in a fire memorabilia collector’s barn in Caledonia. The vehicle will be used for displays, parades, and other public relations events.

Chief Hyser said firefighters supported buying the old engine for $4,000.

“We don’t get many opportunities like this,” he said.

Fast forward to the Monday, Dec. 12 committee of the whole meeting where purchase of new engine was on the table, along with the 2002 LaFrance being used as a trade-in, in a veiled reference to old Engine 1, the chief was asked if it was possible that 15 years from now the city might consider buying the LaFrance and putting it in a museum.

Hyser assured that would not happen.

“You’ll never see it again,” he said.