The action came during the council's annual Youth In Government Day. The day provides high school students in the city the opportunity to share a day with City Hall officials and learn about the operations of Florence government.  

After the meeting, students occupied the City Council seats at the City Hall auditorium and held a mock meeting, taking the roles of the mayor and council members.

Fire Chief Jeffrey Perkins said the ladder truck was a budgeted item. It will take 12 to 14 months to be completed because it is built to customized specifications.