MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski is seeking nearly $61 million for department equipment and building improvements, but Mayor’s proposed 2027 budget allocates $3 million, he told the city’s finance committee Monday. Lipski said the department needs more investment in critical equipment and safety upgrades. “I get that there’s only so much that can go around, but I’m here to advocate for the fire department, and I don’t take it lightly,” he said. The proposal does include reopening Fire Station 6 near Brady Street on Milwaukee’s Lower East Side. But Ald. Peter Burgelis said the city’s fire fleet remains a pressing concern after multiple trucks broke down while responding to emergencies last year. Milwaukee borrowed fire rigs from Cudahy and Wauwatosa as a result. After debate last year, the Common Council approved $10 million to replace as many as three aging trucks. Maintenance has improved, Burgelis said, but many vehicles are nearing the end of their expected service life. “We can’t stop funding fire replacement, fire equipment,” Burgelis said, warning that the city risks falling further behind and creating a threat to public safety. Lipski described what he called a cycle in which the department lacks a plan because it lacks funding, and cannot secure enough funding without a plan. Burgelis is working on budget amendments to increase the department’s allocation. The finance committee is scheduled to review amendments Oct. 29, with the Common Council’s final budget vote set for Nov. 6. The mayor’s office had not responded to questions about how the administration would address the aging fleet as of Oct. 13.