Mayor Robert A. "Bob" Wills praised the department staff for all their hard work in acquiring the grant.

"It would have put a significant financial burden on the City if we would have had to purchase this truck outright. Obtaining the grant made it possible," Wills said. "This is a terrific asset for our city which gives our Fire Department increased capability to serve our citizens."

The 2016 Farrara Cinder custom six-man cab fire truck is now in operation and replaces a 1978 fire truck that the Fire Department had in use. The new equipment includes a 77-foot ladder and is lighter and has a shorter turning radius.

Some of its features include a 1,500 gallons per minute pump, 500 gallon water tank, large cab for scene rehab for firefighters, 1500 GMP Elevated Master Stream/Stand Pipe for commercial roof top fires, more storage capacity and it is set-up to assist with technical rescue operations. 

“We are diligently looking for a truck at a lower price,” Brown said. “I think that (the bid) is unacceptable and I think that we can do better and we can get a truck at a lower price and that is the avenue we need to take.”

Brown said he is researching another possibility to lessen the cost and is not likely to request additional funding to cover the bid amount.

Brown would not be more specific about the proposal. However, he said, one is expected to be presented to the Common Council in April.

“I would prefer not to disclose those avenues at this time until research into those avenues (is conducted),” Brown said.

In early February, Noble had said that he and Brown continue to review the pending purchase to replace the department’s current ladder truck, which breaks down frequently.