Decorah to buy a $900,000 fire truck from Indianola

The Decorah City Council has unanimously agreed to offer the City of Indianola $900,000 to buy a used aerial ladder fire truck.

Decorah Fire Chief Mike Ashbacher told city council members Monday night the 2013 fire truck "has substantial service life remaining."  He said the city had been discussing buying a similar new fire truck for an estimated $1.5 million. 

"We appreciate your support," Ashbacher said following the unanimous vote.

The City of Decorah is receiving $145,000 from Winneshiek County and $120,000 from Luther College to help pay for the fire truck.  City Administrator Chad Bird says two Decorah banks have also spoken to him about loaning money to the city for the purchase and lowering the interest rate as a way of making a contribution to the project.