As part of the 2018 budget, the city had planned to purchase one new pumper and refurbish a 2000 mini-tower truck as well as retire a 1997 pumper from the fleet, according to Purchasing Agent Cindy Strayer.
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However, when the mini-tower was taken for an evaluation, it was found that the 18-year-old unit had severe corrosion that could cause the frame to fail, particularly from the load stress of the aerial ladder, according to the report. There were safety concerns that this could cause possible injuries to firefighters and residents, according to Strayer.
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The report said it estimated a minimum cost of $150,000 to replace the frames with the probability of additional charges for other issues as the pumper was dismantled for repair due to its age.