Johnstown council considers buying fire truck
By MICHAEL ANICH, The Leader-HeraldJOHNSTOWN - The Common Council may decide whether to buy a new fire truck - perhaps from a Fulton County vendor and estimated to cost below $850,000 - at its next business meeting Dec. 15.
Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland urged the council this week to approve the purchase on that date.
"I think it's time we make a decision," the mayor said.
Fire Chief Bruce Heberer in September first asked the city to consider buying a new ladder truck because the old 1982 truck keeps breaking down, and maintenance costs are high. The city already has received six bids for the new truck, but hasn't settled on a preferred vendor.
City Clerk Cathy VanAlstyne said Thursday the Fire Department has narrowed its choices to two fire truck vendors - Wilde Fire Equipment Co. of Mayfield and V.R.S. Sales of Round Lake, Saratoga County.
Both bids are below $850,000, Heberer said.
"I feel comfortable with either one," he said.
Heberer said the city has spent $53,520 to repair the old truck over the past five years. That figure represents $6,785 spent in 2004; $4,750 spent in 2005; $3,685 spent in 2006; $11,500 spent in 2007; and $26,800 spent so far in 2008.
"These are all extraordinary expenses that were not budgeted," he said.
The pump in the old truck needs to be rebuilt, which Heberer estimated to cost another $12,000. In addition, he said another replacement part may cost $2,800.
If the city waits until after Dec. 31 to order a new truck, the cost may increase by $35,000 to $40,000 because of a need to meet new minimum safety standards, Heberer said.
"We really have a critical necessity," he stated.
Heberer said the city's investment in a new fire truck would outweigh the price of keeping the old truck in running condition.
Heberer said the city is seeking $850,000 in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for a new fire truck.
"We are still eligible for FEMA right up to the time we write the check," the chief said.
Gifford presented the council with what he said is an amortization schedule for a loan the city can enter into to buy a fire truck. Pending the actual approval of a vendor, he said he wrote the schedule for an $850,000 truck. The schedule would run over 15 years at 4.75 percent interest.
"This purchase would not affect our debt service as far as an increase," the treasurer said.
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MAMADUKE
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12-08-08 12:57 AM
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My guess is that if it was your home or business on fire, you would want a truck with a platform, perhaps it will be you that is one of the three uses in twenty years, go ahead, think about it!
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numberswomen1
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12-05-08 6:59 PM
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Look into his business ethics
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numberswomen1
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12-05-08 6:01 PM
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Why don't the fire chief save the city a couple two hundred thousand and buy a ladder truck with a pump. I believe they can be purchased for about 600,000. Does the fire department really need a platform to use three times in twenty years. Think about the taxpayers not your dreams.
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resident69
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12-05-08 1:27 PM
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I want a blue one
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Discobulous
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12-05-08 11:34 AM
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Let's get a red one with lots of ladders and a siren and a big red light. I had one like that when I was a kid.
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