Swampscott board OKs new fire truck purchase

SWAMPSCOTT – The fire department will be getting a replacement for its 22-year-old pumper truck in the near future and at a bargain price.At its meeting Tuesday evening the selectmen approved purchasing a pumper truck for $357,500 from a fire department in Hilton Head, S.C.Champion explained the fire department in Hilton Head purchased 10 new pump trucks and decided it was only going to keep eight. He said the pump truck is different from the one the department was originally looking at but optimistic it would meet the needs of the town. He said the department in Hilton Head is asking $357,500, which includes add ons, such as hydrant valves and other necessary equipment.In previous interviews regarding the 22-year-old piece of equipment, Champion said the pumper is costing thousands of dollars a year to maintain and repair so it is in need of replacement.Recently Champion and two other members of the department went to Hilton Head to check out the new pumper. Champion told the selectmen he was impressed with what he saw.In May 2008, Town Meeting approved borrowing up to $300,000 to purchase a firetruck but a pumper that would meet the needs of the town was not available at that price. According to Champion, a new pumper would cost approximately $475,000 under normal circumstances.Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said purchasing the pumper from Hilton Head is a great opportunity for the town and it would save the town approximately $130,000.Champion added the pumper comes with a full new vehicle warranty.Maylor said the town could come up the $57,500 needed at the beginning of the fiscal year needed to supplement the $300,000 that had already been appropriated by Town Meeting.Selectman Anthony Scibelli was not present at the meeting. The selectmen voted 4-0 to approve the purchase of the fire truck.