Elmhurst Touts Savings In Fire Truck Purchase

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst is poised to go ahead with the purchase of an $820,000 fire truck, despite previous concerns the fire department has too much equipment.

The new truck would replace a 2002 model that has cost the city nearly $300,000 in repairs over its life, according to a city memo.

The memo said the city stands to save $100,000 if it buys the truck this year, paid for entirely with a state grant.

If the city doesn't buy it now, the price is projected to increase dramatically, the memo said.

Because of supply chain issues, the city isn't expected to receive the truck until late 2024 or early 2025.

The current truck has a trade-in value of $19,000, the city said.

On Tuesday, the City Council is set to vote on buying the new truck.

In a discussion in December, aldermen pondered ways to scale back the fire department. One said she and some of her colleagues believe the department has too much equipment.