In a written request to Common Council President James Noble, the mayor has asked lawmakers to authorize the extra $50,000 to purchase the tiller-type ladder truck to replace the current tiller truck, which dates to 1998 and breaks down often.

"The complexity of this decision is further compounded by the fact that as time has gone on, the price of the truck has steadily increased," the mayor said in the written request to the council president, his uncle. "It is based on this, as well as our [fire] department's need to replace the failing truck, that I believe we must act soon in order to secure the most appropriate truck at an achievable price."

The mayor said that throughout the process, he has consulted with city Fire Chief Mark Brown and members of the Kingston Professional Firefighters Association, which supported the purchase of the tiller truck. The truck requires drivers at both the front and rear; a straight truck is driven only from the front.

The union has said the tiller truck has better maneuverability on city streets, especially around snowbanks in the winter.

The council three years ago authorized borrowing $900,000 to buy a new ladder truck, but Noble said that "based on the rising prices of this equipment, regardless of truck type or manufacturer, I must respectfully request an additional $50,000 so that we may finalize this purchase. Based on the research we have done, I believe this additional $50,000 will be necessary for any ladder truck we select."

Within the next two weeks, Noble and Brown will go to Lancaster, Pa., to conduct a visual inspection a ladder truck like the one that will be built for Kingston.

The truck veered off the road, ran into a ditch and rolled over onto its side.

Troopers said the driver was hurt, but the extent of his injuries was not known.

The total amount needed is $547,538.96, according to Joe Duff, Gaylord city manager.

The Gaylord City Council voted and unanimously approved the millage amount during its meeting July 25.

"(The millage would go into effect) next year, on the millage for 2017, but we're having the vote (for the millage) now," Duff said. "The fire department comes to us, and we act as a board and determine what's in the best interest of the department. This is always how we financed (fire) equipment, so that everybody can have an opportunity to share in the cost of it."

Aside from being proactive in replacing one of two old fire trucks with old equipment, the fire department is trying to keep its insurance ratings down. Dave Duffield, Otsego County fire chief, said the insurance rating services require the fire department to have a fire truck (pumper) no older than 20 years.

"There's a company that goes around every few years and rates the fire department, the water supplies, dispatch, training, etc. Then they give us a rating from one to 10," Duffield said. "That's how your insurance for your homes and business are calculated. The better (lower) the number, the better for your policy, meaning a lower rate."