Chief Fickett has been trying for three years to get a new fire truck on the ballot as two trucks, which are 24 and 27 years old need to be replaced as they can no longer be repaired due to the age and condition of frames and bodies of the trucks. Fickett noted that COVID-19 made a huge impact both in terms of the supply and demand for services as well as to the complexity of the services needed.
The Fire Department had to retire a truck recently, so they are down to one decent truck and one which is on its last legs. If the water tank goes on that truck, the vehicle is too brittle to repair.
Any costs over $500,000 must be approved by the voters. The Town has the money to pay for the truck in the Capital Part 2 budget, which has surplus money from the previous year.