Wolf Lake, townships approve purchase of new fire truck
News | Published on March 25, 2025 at 2:18pm EDT | Author: frazeevergas
0Cost of new fire truck driven up by rising inflation
By Matthew Johnson
Reporter
The Wolf Lake Fire Department (WLFD) has the support of the city and surrounding townships to go ahead with the purchase of a new pumper fire truck.
The WLFD did not get the FEMA grant it applied for last year, but after Wolf Lake Fire Chief Brock Anderson outlined a payment plan officials agreed that now is the time to commit. The truck, which would’ve cost $289,000 in 2019 and $407,000 at the time the grant was applied for, now costs $449,500 due to inflation. The department, however, is locking in the price at $442,835 through a Sourcewell contract.
Inflation has brought the cost of the truck up $40,000 in the last 10 months and with the 2.5 percent rate of inflation the department would be looking at another $71,000 in due time if not for the signed Sourcewell contract. Chief Anderson reported at the Monday, Feb. 24, fire contract meeting that the WLFD has over $347,827 in the major equipment fund and an operating fund of over $96,846. A $10,000 payment is required immediately for the truck and then a payment of $117,000 in a month’s time to pay for the chassis. The balance will be due when the truck is finished, which could be between one and two years from now.
The WLFD annual pancake feed this past weekend will also contribute to paying for the truck. The department on average clears about $10,000 after expenses for this annual pancake feed fundraiser.
“In the end we hopefully won’t need to finance too terribly much,” Anderson said.
Township officials at the fire contract meeting passed a motion approving the purchase of the truck. The Wolf Lake City Council followed suit and passed its own motion March 11 to finalize the purchase of the truck. Counselor Cassy Makela made the motion and Counselor Vernette Gilbertson seconded it.
In other news
• Spent close to 45 minutes in closed session discussing an offer to purchase the Wolf Lake liquor store. No action was taken following the closed session and before adjournment.
• Heard from Counselor Cody Lake that he does not think the city will be receiving any USDA funds to help with the cost of updating the city’s septic system. Mayor Michelle Suhsen commented that sewer rates will likely have to be raised next year to keep up with maintenance costs.
• Acknowledged that a community meeting concerning the upkeep and use of the Wolf Lake Community Hall (formerly Wolf Lake Lions Community Hall) has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5. The Community Hall Committee is seeking additional feedback/input concerning the hall and volunteers to help with upkeep such as painting and flooring are being sought.
• Passed a motion for Lyle Matson to move forward with plans to build a house on property he owns in the city.
• Regular monthly meetings of the Wolf Lake City Council are usually held at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at city hall.