Posted by (+134) 13 years ago
Some of you may be aware that the City Council decided to amend the Preliminary Budget by striking a provision for 5% matching funds in the amount of $4,500 toward the purchase of a $90,000 Water Tender for our Fire Department. A tender is a high-capacity tanker designed to haul water to either wildland or structural fires located beyond the reach of fire hydrants. If the City is awarded the grant, it would receive $85,500 in return for setting aside $4,500 in matching funds. That sounds like a pretty good deal, doesn't it?
The amendment to reject this opportunity passed by a vote of 6-2, with Councilmen Ackerman and Leidholt opposed.
Without taking too much space in this initial post, let me say that I strongly support the position of Councilman Ackerman and Councilman Leidholt and I'm having a difficult time understanding the logic behind the majority decision of the Council. So, I'm writing in hopes of finding a third way.
I've asked the Fire Chief to prepare a 5 year projected budget of annual maintenance costs for the new tender prior to our next Council meeting in order to quiet fears of "runaway expenses". But I'm also interested in learning if there would be one or more benefactors with close ties to Miles City who'd be interested in taking a write-off from a donation of part or all of the matching portion of the grant, provided the contribution doesn't violate its terms. Finally, I'm interested in your feedback on the matter.
If no one steps forward between now and our meeting at 7 p.m. next Tuesday evening, I plan to veto the amendment.
Your thoughts?
The amendment to reject this opportunity passed by a vote of 6-2, with Councilmen Ackerman and Leidholt opposed.
Without taking too much space in this initial post, let me say that I strongly support the position of Councilman Ackerman and Councilman Leidholt and I'm having a difficult time understanding the logic behind the majority decision of the Council. So, I'm writing in hopes of finding a third way.
I've asked the Fire Chief to prepare a 5 year projected budget of annual maintenance costs for the new tender prior to our next Council meeting in order to quiet fears of "runaway expenses". But I'm also interested in learning if there would be one or more benefactors with close ties to Miles City who'd be interested in taking a write-off from a donation of part or all of the matching portion of the grant, provided the contribution doesn't violate its terms. Finally, I'm interested in your feedback on the matter.
If no one steps forward between now and our meeting at 7 p.m. next Tuesday evening, I plan to veto the amendment.
Your thoughts?