TORONTO — On Monday, Toronto Council took the next step needed to place a $3.5 million bond issue for the city’s fire department on ballots in the city’s May 6 primary election.

Council unanimously approved, for the Jefferson County auditor’s office’s review, an ordinance outlining its terms and purpose.

Pending voters’ approval, it will raise funds to replace a 1999 pumper truck and a 2004 ladder truck currently used by the fire department.

Leaders of the department both vehicles have exceeded or are nearing the end of their expected lifespans, with the pumper truck requiring about $16,293 in repairs over the last three years while about $3,562 in repairs were made to the ladder truck.

City Fire Chief Bill Scheel said the pumper truck was produced by Luverne, a company no longer in business, and it’s been difficult to find replacement parts.

Council President Frank McEwen, a former Toronto fire chief, said once they are purchased, it takes two to three years for the trucks to be built.

Plans call for the vehicles will be financed through the sale of bonds with an estimated net annual interest of 5 percent, and the debt will be repaid through a 4.41 mill tax for $1 of each $100,000 of assessed property value under the county auditor’s office.

City officials initially considered pursuing a 5 mill levy for the trucks but opted for a bond issue because it will mean a lesser burden to the city’s taxpayers.

McEwen noted another ordinance, calling for the bond issue to be placed on ballots, will come before council in January so it may be submitted to the county board of elections office by early February for inclusion on ballots.

McEwen has formed an ad hoc committee to promote the bond issue.

The committee includes Councilmen Crago and Greg Herrick, both members of council’s safety committee; William “Butch” Scalley, the city’s safety director; Boyd, Bill Perkins and Lance Winstel, all members of the fire department; and several citizens.

It also was announced at Monday’s meeting there will be no change to garbage pickups on the upcoming holidays.

Council’s next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 13.