I would like to respond to the letter submitted by deputy fire chief Welling, of the Medford Farms Fire Co., and the subsequent article, concerning the purchase of a new fire truck which he stated would go into the new $4 million building.
I recall during the discussion phase of the planning of the building, the fire company said it would move one of the presently owned trucks to that new location. Why do we now need to purchase another one?
He also stated there would be no increase in the fire district tax to pay for the new truck.
I find it hard to believe that if we spend almost $700,000 on a fire truck it is not going to cost taxpayers something.
If the fire district has a surplus of funds that can cover this purchase, then someone needs to be looking into the fire district budget and reduce the tax rate.
After a discussion with some experienced firefighters, it is my understanding the truck described by Welling is considered the Rolls Royce of fire trucks. If a new truck is truly needed, does Tabernacle really need the $700,000 one — or, could we do just as well with a less expensive one?
The taxpayers were fooled into believing that Tabernacle needed a huge ladder truck when the tallest building in the district is three stories.
This is truly overkill and a huge expense to the taxpayers.
If a lack of hydrants and water is an issue, why not purchase a tanker truck?
We all agree that our firefighters do an outstanding job and deserve the proper equipment. I also think the prudent spending of the taxpayer’s money needs to be a consideration.
We just spent $4 million on a building; a few years, we ago added on to the existing firehouse and we purchased a ladder truck and a new vehicle for the chief.
Maybe it’s time to sit back and look at what is really needed and what is a luxury that we can do without, or put off spending these large amounts of money until the economy improves.
I totally disagree with Mr. Welling that this purchase is a ”no brainer” and feel that a lot more consideration and input is needed before the taxpayers are asked to make this huge purchase based on his opinion.
John Cooper
