Excerpts from DailyHerald.com:
Residents of Mundelein and Libertyville are set to benefit from a new cooperative effort aimed at saving taxpayer money and improving emergency response efficiency. Officials from both towns have reached an agreement that allows them to share a tower ladder, a move they describe as a smart and practical solution in today’s budget-conscious climate.
The arrangement, approved by the Mundelein village board on Monday and expected to be finalized by Libertyville soon, involves Mundelein paying an annual fee to access Libertyville’s tower ladder. This fee is designed to cover maintenance and future replacement costs, ensuring both communities can continue to provide essential fire services without unnecessary financial strain.
Mundelein’s current tower ladder is still in good condition and doesn’t require immediate replacement, but officials believe this partnership offers flexibility and long-term savings. According to Deputy Chief Bill Lark, the move gives the fire department more options when it comes to responding to emergencies.
However, the deal hinges on Mundelein being able to sell, lease, or trade their existing ladder truck. Under the five-year agreement, Mundelein will pay $14,000 in the first year, with a 3% increase each subsequent year. Libertyville’s ladder truck and trained personnel are expected to be called upon about five times annually.
The two villages already have a mutual aid agreement in place for structure fires, established back in 2015. This new collaboration builds on that foundation, further strengthening their ability to support one another during critical incidents.
Libertyville Fire Chief Rich Carani noted that discussions about shared resources have been ongoing for nearly two years, driven by the need to stretch limited budgets and make smarter use of public funds. “We’ve been looking at different ways to work together, especially given the rising costs of equipment and operations,†he said.
Ladder trucks are known for their durability, often lasting well over a decade due to lower mileage compared to other fire apparatus. However, replacing one can cost over $1.3 million, making sharing a financially attractive alternative.
Eric Guenther, Mundelein’s public safety director, emphasized the importance of balancing operational needs with cost-effectiveness. “When you look at fuel, maintenance, and overall usage, it makes a lot of sense to share these kinds of assets,†he said.
Another key factor in the decision is geography. Libertyville is only two miles away from Mundelein’s main high-rise buildings and most commercial areas, and it can easily reach the east side of the village without being blocked by railroad tracks.
Libertyville’s current ladder truck is 18 years old and scheduled for replacement after 25 years of service. Instead of purchasing a new one right away, the village is considering a full refurbishment to extend its life by up to 10 years at a fraction of the cost.
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