By David Fleet
Editor
Atlas Twp.-On Monday night the township board of trustees considered the purchase of a new pumper fire truck at a cost of $557,074.
The fire truck will be purchased through Sourcewell a service cooperative that assists municipalities, like the township, through competitively solicited contracts. The new pumper, purchased through R&R Truck Repair, will carry 1,000 gallons of water and utilize light-emitting diode, or LED, lighting. LED technology lasts longer and can be more efficient than incandescent lights. The truck will include a Spartan Chassis, Cummins Engine with an Allison Transmission. The company will have 390 days to deliver the new truck once it’s ordered.
The new fire truck will replace a 19 year old American LaFrance pumper.
“The company went out of business in 2014,” said Fire Chief Steve Bullan. “We have a very hard time getting parts for the trucks.”
The township fire department is funded through 1 mill approved by voters for five years in May 2017.
As of March 31 the estimated fund balance is $612,421. The board of trustees is considering payment options for the purchase as of press time.