MONROE — Monroe Fire Department is seeking nearly $286,000 in city funds to purchase new command trucks.

The request is being considered by the city’s Finance and Taxation Committee and will likely appear on a future agenda of the Common Council for full final approval. 

The request covers purchase of a pair 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab four-wheel drive WD pickups; and one 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe four-wheel drive, Special Service Vehicle, according to a memo to the committee from Fire Chief Al Rufer.

According to Rufer, there is a $330,000 line item already in the city’s 2025 capital budget for the replacement trucks. The three older vehicles range in years from 2006 to 2012; and all have higher mileage and lingering maintenance issues, officials added.

As for the old trucks, they will be sold as the new ones come in.

“All three existing vehicles will be sold through WI Surplus Auction, and the sale receipts will be returned to the City’s general fund to reduce the total expenditure,” Rufer wrote to the committee. “Car 12 is ready for immediate sale, while Cars 11 and 10 will be sold once the new replacements are placed into service.”

— Gary Mays