Salem Fire Protection District Chief Jim Cerny says the department would like to buy a used 2014 aerial platform truck.
The total cost will be $400,000. Cerny says the decision by the city council Monday night to pay $125,000 of the cost if the Tax Increment Two Financing District is extended another 12 years will be a big help. He reports the district will have to borrow money to pay off the rest of the cost.
Cerny notes the department currently has an aerial truck, but it was built in 1985. He says it is running perfectly, but because of its age some parts are becoming hard to find and eventually, they may not be able to keep it running.
Cerny reports having the aerial truck has helped the city receive an ISO rating of three which would likely increase to a five without the truck. He says that is a benefit to all residents of Salem, including the industrial area in the TIF 2 district.
Cerny says any purchase will not be finalized until December of next year when the other department will put another truck in service and will surplus the truck the Salem Fire Protection District wishes to purchase.
