MONROE — Despite the unexpected resignation of Monroe Fire Dept Chief William Erb earlier this month the city public safety committee agreed to move forward with one of his major priorities — spending up to $1.5 million on a new ladder truck for the fire dept.

The truck, officials said, is needed to replace an existing ladder truck that lasted the city 30 years. The ladder the fire department had before that was in service for 18 years; and the truck is vital to the department, according to Deputy Chief Al Rufer, who told the committee the truck is the first unit out to certain large and commercial calls.

The truck has been helpful with a number of recent fires, he said, including those at Zuber Meats on 18th Street and the Iron Haus Gym in December of 2020, among many others. 

“All of those (properties) are now back on the tax rolls so it shows what an important role it has in our community,” said Rufer, adding that the truck is capable of helping with fires at about 185, mostly commercial, structures in Monroe.

Officials also noted the importance of the ladder truck on mutual aid calls, as it remains a key regional piece of equipment that’s called on by smaller towns when needed through mutual aid.

Ald. Andrew Kranig questioned the need to spend the money now, urging fire officials to research the purchase of a used truck and other less costly options. He said the city “can’t keep adding” expenses and engaging in “wish-list” spending. Ultimately, he voted against recommending the purchase to the council but agreed it served a vital role on the department and should be replaced.

Ald. Brooke Bauman, who serves on the commission, supported it, saying it helps Monroe respond faster in a bigger emergency situation in town.

“Response time is everything,” she said.

Mayor-elect Donna Douglas, who also serves on the commission as a city council member, agreed, saying “we can’t keep putting it off.”

Both the public safety committee voted to recommend council approval of the truck purchase and the Common Council was set to take the issue up at its regular Monday night meeting.

Meanwhile, the fire dept also is waiting to hear about the status of a roughly, $1 million federal grant that Erb applied for to help pay for it but officials agreed it will be needed by community whether it has grant funding or not.