Town manager, fire rescue chief to shop for new pumper truck

Jul. 4—RANGELEY — Town Manager Joe Roach said he and Fire Rescue Chief Michael Bacon will work together to find a firetruck for $750,000, including interest and fees.

The Fire Rescue Department wants to replace its 27-year-old Engine 3, which does not meet National Fire Protection Association standards. It was purchased in 2016 and, based on the number of hours on the engine, has the equivalent of 234,540 miles, Bacon said in April.

Residents voted 205-132 on June 14 to approve the lease-purchase of a pumper truck for $750,000.

The article was initiated by citizen petition.

The town attorney advised that if selectmen interpreted the article to mean the $750,000 included fees and interest, they would have to call a special town meeting to legally exceed that amount and ask voters to appropriate money from a specific account(s).

If they interpreted it to mean $750,000 was only the sticker price, they could either spend Fire Rescue Department reserve funds or call a special town meeting to clarify the total price and formally appropriate the money for interest and fees.