The Plymouth Fire Department needs to replace the 1993 Pierce Fire Truck Engine because it’s past it life expectancy and has major issues. During the June meeting of the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission, Fire Chief Rod Miller presented a proposal to use TIF funds to acquire the new piece of equipment.
The Chief said the city’s Cum Cap Development Fund does not have the $700,000 needed to support the funding of a new fire truck. This is the line item the city typically uses for purchases such as a fire truck.
A question was purposed as to whether TIF funds could be used for this type of purchase because their purpose is primarily for infrastructure for economic development. Chief Miller said a fire truck is there to protect economic development in our community.
Mike Miley, President of the Redevelopment Commission asked for an inspection report on the fire truck.
During last week’s Redevelopment Commission meeting Chief Miller said he had an inspection done on the 1993 Pierce and was told it wouldn’t pass an DOT inspection although they are not required to pass one. The report showed needed repairs amounting to over $10,000.
The Chief said he hadn’t been able talked with the Clerk Treasurer yet about the necessary repairs.
City Attorney Sean Surrisi and Chief Miller are exploring various funding options for the new truck. While funds could be set aside annually for the new truck, over the years the price will increase. Surrisi said the Indiana Bond Bank officer a program called Hoosier Equipment Lease Program or the Commission could work with US Bank in a lease to own agreement in which the city would apply $200,000 in TIF funds for the down payment.
The Redevelopment Commission took no action on the request.
