Voters at the March 12 referendum approved in a 112-22 vote the purchase of a new fire truck, with roughly half of the price covered with funds earmarked for the purpose. Support for the purchase was not a surprise, as there was no opposition voiced at the Town Meeting on March 4 called to discuss the purchase.
About two dozen officials, members of the fire department, and residents attended the meeting to hear Fire Chief Rich Schenk explain the process used for the purchase, which included listing criteria and ranking the selections. “We looked for the best truck before looking at the price tags,” Schenk said. The committee charged with selecting the new truck brought their recommendation to the whole department, which unanimously approved their choice. Their selection of Firematic Supply Company included extra perks, such as annual inspections of the vehicle. The company is also an equipment supplier with a shop in nearby Rocky Hill. These were “major draws,” Schenk said.
Schenk also listed issues with the current truck, which at 30 years old is “at the end of its life cycle”. It is expected that it will last until the next truck comes in, which could take three years, though the price will remain the same no matter the time of delivery. First Selectman Allan Cahill explained that the old truck belongs to the Town and “has value in its parts”.
Board of Finance Chairman Kathy Donahue stated that with $344,404 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and $159,058 from the Capital and Non-Recurring Account for trucks and equipment, the Town is left with $584,000 to finance, less a 5% return on the pre –paid deposit. Though one resident advocated use of the General Fund to pay the remainder, major expenses could be on the horizon, Donahue said, citing the elementary school’s HVAC system. She also noted that budgeted items previously funded by ARPA would now have to become part of the Town’s annual spending plan. Both Donahue and Cahill said officials will be looking into the financing, through loans and use of surplus funds. We have to find “the sweet spot between the two”, Cahill said.