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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Brandon Matson, Fire Division Chief of Administration
DATE: 9/22/2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing an increased purchase price of $126,453 for a new Truck 6 Aerial Platform for a total purchase price of $1,828,021.
PURPOSE:
To request approval of an increase to the previously authorized purchase price of an aerial ladder truck for the Aurora Fire Department. This increase is due to increased costs associated with the 2027 model-year federal emissions requirements and additional upgrades to the apparatus. The quote was obtained by our dealer Fire Service Inc., originally supplied on June 22, 2023, and ordered August 16, 2024.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Aurora previously approved the purchase of a new aerial ladder truck for the Aurora Fire Department to support the Department's emergency response capabilities and to provide a modern replacement for aging fire apparatus. The original price was $1,701,568. (R23-238)
Since the original purchase authorization, the manufacturer has identified additional costs associated with the 2027 engine configuration. These costs are related to compliance with applicable federal emissions requirements and the additional emissions-control technologies and components incorporated into the 2027 model-year vehicle. The additional cost of the compliant engine and components is $112,899.
In addition, the Fire Department has requested additional upgrades including EMS storage cabinets and additional safety and efficiency features to the apparatus. The cost of the additional upgrades is $13,554.
DISCUSSION:
The requested contract increase consists of two primary components.
First, the 2027 model-year chassis incorporates additional engine and emissions-control requirements that have increased the cost of the apparatus. These requirements and associated manufacturer costs were not fully reflected in the original purchase price.
Second, the Fire Department has requested the addition of EMS cabinets and additional safety and efficiency features. The EMS cabinets will improve the apparatus's ability to carry and organize emergency medical and additional equipment. Providing dedicated storage will allow personnel to access necessary equipment more efficiently while maintaining the organization of the apparatus. Some of the safety/efficiency upgrades were not offered at the time of the original design of the vehicle.
The requested changes will allow the Fire Department to receive the ladder truck with the required 2027 model-year configuration and the additional storage capacity and safety upgrades chosen for operational use.
Funds have been included in the 2027 budget for the additional costs in account 255-3033-422.75-10.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of the requested increase will result in an additional expenditure of $126,453 for the purchase of the new aerial ladder truck.
The increase will allow the City to proceed with the apparatus as currently specified, including the applicable 2027 model-year chassis and emissions configuration and the addition of safety/efficiency features and dedicated EMS storage cabinets.
Failure to approve the increase may require modification of the current apparatus specifications, removal of requested EMS storage features, or further delay in the procurement and delivery of the ladder truck.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Fire Department recommends that the Finance Committee approve the requested $126,453 increase to the purchase price of the aerial ladder truck to replace Truck 6 and recommend approval by the City Council.
The revised purchase price of the apparatus will be $1,828,021.
Approval will allow the Fire Department to proceed with the purchase of the apparatus in the required 2027 model-year configuration and with the additional storage and safety/efficiency capabilities necessary to support the Department's emergency response operations.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing an increase of $126,453 of the purchase price for a new Ladder Truck for the Aurora Fire Department, due to Federal Emissions requirements and the addition of more safety/efficiency upgrades and EMS storage cabinets.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City previously authorized the purchase of a new ladder truck for the Aurora Fire Department from Fire Service Inc. pursuant to Purchase Order 308462 and Resolution No.R23-238 (approved August 22, 2023); and
WHEREAS, subsequent to the original pricing, the cost of the ladder truck has increased as a result of additional requirements associated with the 2027 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards, including changes necessary to ensure the vehicle complies with applicable federal emissions requirements; and
WHEREAS, the 2027 EPA emissions requirements and the additional upgrades have resulted in an increase to the previously approved purchase price of the ladder truck in the amount of $1,701,568, bringing the total purchase price to $1,828,021; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the additional cost is necessary and in the best interests of the city to ensure that the new ladder truck meets applicable federal requirements and is properly equipped to support the Aurora Fire Department’s emergency response operations.
WHEREAS, Funds have been allocated in the 2027 budget using account 255-3033-422.75-10.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the City Council of the City of Aurora Illinois does hereby authorize the increased cost of $126,453 to purchase a 2027 E-ONE Cyclone 95' Rear Mount Platform from Fire Service Inc, Naperville, IL for a total of $1,828,021.