# Council prepays $604,377 in 2027 fire-truck and ambulance lease payments using casino fund money

## What happened
The council approved a $604,377 appropriation (permission to spend a stated amount of public money on a stated purpose) from the city's casino fund — the city's share of casino gambling-tax revenue — to prepay 2027 lease payments on the Ladder 5 fire truck, Engine 2, Engine 7, and three ambulances, after City Comptroller Jessica Thome said the city saw an opportunity in the casino fund to relieve public safety. [40:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiS7TwOKh8k&t=2407)

Of the total, $541,536 covers loan principal and $62,841 covers interest. [39:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiS7TwOKh8k&t=2367)

## The outcome
Passed on a voice vote. [41:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiS7TwOKh8k&t=2500)

## Sources
- [Comptroller Jessica Thome explains the casino-fund fire-lease prepayment, 40:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiS7TwOKh8k&t=2407)
- [Appropriation title gives the principal and interest amounts, 39:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiS7TwOKh8k&t=2367)
- [Council approves Appropriation 13-2026, 41:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiS7TwOKh8k&t=2500)

*Also known as: Appropriation 13-2026 · casino fund fire lease prepayment · fire truck lease payoff · Ladder 5 lease · fire department equipment lease*