The Hurley Fire District #1 is seeking to replace its 24-year-old tanker with a new, custom-built fire truck moving to secure funding before costs climb further—even as some officials question the timing.
At a special meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners on Wednesday, Feb. 19, the board voted on the Hurley Fire District #1 Truck Project Bond Resolution of 2025, which authorizes the district to finance the purchase of a new truck. Officials cited rising costs of essential materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum—some imported from Canada and subject to potential U.S. tariffs—as a reason to act now.
Commissioner Jack Young was the only member to vote against the resolution. He questioned whether securing the bond now would guarantee a timely delivery of the truck.
“We go out, get a bond, have the money for it, but the thing never happens. It doesn’t happen for two or three years down the road,” Young said.
Fire departments across the country have faced long wait times for new trucks, as they are typically either custom-built or purchased used. The delays facing Hurley Fire District #1 reflects a national crisis in fire truck manufacturing, where long wait times and soaring costs have left departments across the country struggling to replace aging fleets.
Despite these concerns, the majority of the board supported moving forward, allowing voters to decide whether the purchase is a worthwhile investment.
The new truck is estimated to cost up to $1.3 million. The district has $300,000 in a reserve fund, while the remaining $1 million would be financed through a serial bond.
“This should be a community decision,” said Commissioner Philip Sinagra Sr., explaining why he voted yes to the resolution.
Serial bonds are commonly used by municipalities to fund projects like schools, highways, and sewer systems, allowing repayment in annual installments. Since the fire district is a nonprofit entity, taxpayers would bear the cost. One official estimated it would cost residents “roughly $80 per year” over a 20-year period. Payments would not begin until the department receives the truck, following four inspections to ensure it meets all specifications.
The fire district has scheduled public information meetings on Feb. 25 and March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Hurley Fire District #1. The special election is set for March 25, with polls open from 6 to 9 p.m.
Olivia Sippel is a contributing reporter for The Overlook. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.