The city of Mineola has ordered the county’s first aerial ladder truck, but it may be nearly four years before it arrives.

The city council approved the $1,797,849 bid Monday, just under the budget of $1.8 million.

The truck, along with a new pumper, will be financed with bonds the council approved last month.

The truck was able to get under budget by beating an August price increase and making an $81,000 prepayment.

Fire Marshal David Madsen noted the city will make payments on the seven-year bond for three years before receiving the truck.

He explained that supply chain issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have put fire truck manufacturers far behind.

The expected delivery is in 42-43 months, though it could be sooner than that. Formerly delivery times were about a year, Madsen noted.

The truck is manufactured by Pierce and will have a 107-foot ladder for fighting fires in high-rise structures, such as the new motel to be built in Mineola beginning in the fall.

Though the department’s current trucks are red, City Manager Mercy Rushing suggested, partly in jest, that the department look at a truck to honor the school colors, and the department came back with a color scheme that would do just that.

There is no additional cost or delay for a different color.

The council also accepted the low bid of $601,859 to construct the 1888 plaza at S. Johnson and Commerce Streets.

The project was initially budgeted for $250,000.

Stansell Construction of Mt. Pleasant had the lowest of three bids.

The project includes restrooms, charging stations for electronic devices and a cooling station.

The city is using federal COVID relief money to pay for the project.

The project is expected to take six months.