MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Milwaukee Common Council has approved Mayor Cavalier Johnson's $2.2 billion budget for 2027, including an amendment to fund one new fire engine.

The decision comes after concerns from some alders about the Milwaukee Fire Department's aging fleet and the lack of funding for equipment replacement in the mayor's original proposal.

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The department identified more than $60 million in capital needs for equipment and facilities. However, Mayor Johnson's original budget included just $3 million for facility needs and no funding for new fire trucks.

According to department figures, 20 of Milwaukee's 43 fire engines are more than 15 years old — exceeding the National Fire Protection Association's recommended frontline service age.

Ald. Peter Burgelis said the city's aging equipment is an ongoing concern.

"There will be a reckoning day when our equipment no longer can serve its purpose," Burgelis said.

He also pointed to past equipment failures, including an incident in which a wheel fell off a fire engine.

Burgelis pushed for additional funding to replace aging equipment. He initially proposed $4.3 million for fire equipment before lowering his request to $3.2 million. Both proposals failed.

"It's unfortunate that my colleagues did not think that funding fire engines on a consistent basis is a budget priority," Burgelis said.

Instead, the Common Council voted to move $1.6 million from the Milwaukee Police Department's vehicle budget to the Fire Department to fund one new fire engine.

Burgelis opposed the move, arguing that shifting money between departments does not eliminate either department's needs.

"Stripping that budget away from the police department does not make our community safer," he said.

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"I voted against that. I don't think it's prudent to take from one department and give to another — the need will not go away," Burgelis said.

The amended 2027 budget now heads to Mayor Johnson's desk for approval or a veto.