Blais said that he asked the former chief mechanic of the Albany Fire Department to inspect the village’s existing aerial truck — and he also talked with representatives of the repair facility — Stewart & Stevenson of Latham. 

They all told Blais that the truck’s diesel engine merely blew a seal and should be repaired, rather than replacing the motor or purchasing a new truck at this point, the mayor said.

The former Albany Fire Department mechanic praised the truck’s condition, Blais told the village board.

“He said our truck is in excellent condition, adding that after the motor is repaired, it will be as good as any fire truck that Albany now owns,” Blais said.

The mechanic scrutinized the extensive repairs that were made last year to the ladder turntable, one of the vehicle’s pumps, and  said the repair work was outstanding, Blais reported. He also said that he conferred with town board members, and they predicted that their board would likely defeat a purchase proposal, based on its impact on taxes and public opposition.