The Sennett Fire Department needs approval to purchase two new fire trucks and additional equipment totalling nearly $1 million. The new vehicles will replace trucks more than 22 years old and some equipment almost 30 years old.

Three purchases amounting to $984,000 would be spread in payments over a 10-year period or less, depending on whether or not all options were approved.

An initial $200,000 down payment from a reserve fund already budgeted for 2008 would be made, according to John Holmes, chairman of the department's truck committee. No immediate tax increase would result, he said.

“The district has been good about putting money aside,” Holmes said.

Those voting must be registered voters and have resided in Sennett for at least 30 days.

Voters are asked to approve Proposition 1 to buy a rescue pumper for station No. 2 at a cost of $439,000 under a lease-to-buy contract. The truck would replace a light rescue truck and a tanker pumper.

Holmes said this would improve the manpower situation at the department by replacing two trucks with one that could essentially provide water along with the rescue equipment.

Option 1 for a second truck to replace a pumper at station No. 1 was bid at $383,000, again to be funded in the same manner. Votes for this purchase will only be tallied if the first proposition passes.

Pierce Fire Equipment Co. was the sole bidder to submit an offer for the trucks when bids went out in October.

Pierce is a subsidiary of Oshkosh, whose leasing plan was chosen because of its attractive interest rate, according to Holmes.

Option 2 allows voters to consider approving $162,000 in equipment to outfit the new trucks, again only if the first proposition passes. Some of the upgrades include all hand portable equipment, hose supply lines, fittings and nozzles, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Tyler Fire Equipment will provide some of the new equipment and the department will also shop with other vendors.

Holmes said if voters approve, under the leasing contract, payments are due one year from the date the department signs the contract. In addition to the $200,000 deposit, each year's budget would designate monies toward the lease contract.

Voters may also choose to elect William Feocco, who is running for the vacant fire commissioner position on a separate ballot.

Residents can vote from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the Sennett No. 2 Fire Department on 3526 Franklin Street Road.

The Sennett Board of Fire Commissioners meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Franklin Street Road Fire House.

Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5322, ext 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net

Sennett fire trucks up for vote

Sennett voters can decide on whether or not to approve the purchase of two new fire trucks and equipment, totalling $984,000 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Firehouse No. 2, 3526 Franklin Street Road, Sennett.

• Proposition No. 1: rescue pumper truck at $439,000.

• Proposition No. 2: pumper truck at $383,000.

• Proposition No. 3: equipment to outfit new trucks.

Propositions 2 and 3 only apply if proposition 1 passes.