Summary
The capital budget allocates $0 for fire department equipment in 2027 because last year's $10 million in borrowing authority hasn't been spent — truck orders stalled over spec issues. Ald. Burgelis warned that aging fire trucks are a safety risk.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 12, 2026.
Impact analysis
$10 million in unspent 2026 fire borrowing authority; $0 proposed for 2027.
Other capital priorities — roads, the Municipal Services Building — get the limited borrowing capacity.
Firefighters and residents rely on an aging fleet; Burgelis warned trucks may break down on emergency calls.
Mentions & discussions (3)
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE — October 12, 2026
Fire Chief Aaron Lipski told the committee aging fire stations and apparatus are a growing problem, described mixed-use and shared-facility options being explored, and said the department would fully support a new citywide facilities/allocation study — the last comprehensive one dates to 2009.
FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE — October 1, 2026
The capital budget allocates $0 for fire department equipment in 2027 because last year's $10 million in borrowing authority hasn't been spent — truck orders stalled over spec issues. Ald. Burgelis warned that aging fire trucks are a safety risk.
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