The Jefferson City Council is looking at financing possibilities to help pay for a new fire truck.

Fire Chief Jack Williams made a presentation to the Council last month about purchasing an Ultra High Pressure Truck for the department. He pointed out benefits such as: using less water and taking less time to put out a fire; the pressure of the water cooling fire temperatures five-time faster; purchase price is less than a standard fire truck; and it can respond to a fire incident faster than a typical fire truck could respond.

City Administrator Mike Palmer talks about what the Council had discussed from their previous meeting this month of how to purchase the truck.

“So what they discussed is putting this into next (fiscal) year’s budget. If it’s already targeted to be in next year’s budget, which will start July 1st, is that they could go a head and maybe purchase it before the budget goes into effect. And then start paying for it once the budget does go into effect.”

Palmer points out that how the City will pay for it has yet to be decided.

“They’re looking at financing options. There’s a variety of them, some are just to borrow from the bank, others are to lease-to-own. That’s what was one of the things that staff is being tasked with is that by the time the next meeting rolls around they will have some different financing options available for the Council.”

The topic is anticipated to be discussed at their next regular meeting.