PD News

February 3, 2010

West Pittston uncertain about fire truck purchase

IAN CAMPBELL Times Leader Correspondent

WEST PITTSTON – Borough officials held off on deciding whether to support the West Pittston Hose Company’s purchase of a new fire truck until the ramifications of the plan can be worked out.

At issue was whether the borough could sustain the extended costs of contributing to a new $650,000 ladder truck during the next decade, even though those costs could be lower than those the borough currently meets.

The current financial arrangement for the existing ladder truck extends three more years, and although the new vehicle could come at a $5,000 a year saving, the borough would still end up paying for seven years more, council noted.

The borough has title to the existing truck, which could be sold for more than $200,000, council was told.

Because of that, council President Brian Thornton noted the borough could have a legal responsibility to make the sale and use the revenue to repay the taxpayers of West Pittston, rather than invest the money in a new vehicle.

Representatives of the hose company noted the volunteer department planned to downsize its fleet of vehicles from three to two, and the current ladder truck was likely to need expensive repairs within the next few years.

Others questioned whether the borough should be involved in supporting the fire department to the extent that it does.

Resident Kevin Lescavage said his research indicates few area municipalities were involved in any sort of vehicle purchase, leaving that aspect to the departments themselves. He suggested the department pursue grants.

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