Columbus City Council voted to approve the $2.5 million purchase of a ladder truck for the Columbus Division of Fire despite an ongoing union dispute at the truck's manufacturer.
One week ago, the city council narrowly voted against purchasing the truck, with most members criticizing Dublin-based manufacturer Sutphen or expressing concern over the union dispute. The legislation passed by city council on Monday comes with a new caveat that last week's proposal did not.
The ordinance says the city can levy fees or cancel the purchase if the truck doesn't arrive on time. Last week, Mark Vandak, president of Teamsters Local 284, told council he worried a strike was imminent.
The proposal also stipulates that city staff will negotiate with Sutphen so that the company will not use non-union workers.
The city is still trying to address what firefighters call an imminent fire truck shortage "crisis" as the city's fleet continues to age.
The vote passed unanimously with council member Lourdes Barroso de Padilla absent from the meeting.
