RUMFORD – Selectmen gave the go-ahead for the Fire Department to buy a new pumper but not a new utility vehicle last week.
Town Manager Robert Welch said funding for the new 2001 pumper comes from a capital account set up for apparatus purchases. Estimated cost is between $130,000 and $145,000. Fire Chief John Woulfe had also asked permission to buy a new larger utility or rescue vehicle to replace the 1997 model.
At the board’s late May meeting, selectmen had objected to the $98,000 price tag.
In other Fire Department matters, Welch said the board awarded the sale of the department’s old ladder truck to firefighter Donald Coulombe for $125. Several months ago, the board had awarded the contract to a Hope, Maine, resident for $550. However, Welch said the Hope resident changed his mind and decided he did not want the truck. Coulombe’s bid was the next highest.
The old aerial truck was replaced last year with a 1990 model.
In other matters, Welch said a new, three-year contract with the town’s 12 public works department employees was signed.
He said all public works employees will receive 30-cent-an-hour raises, similar to the amount of raise given to every other municipal employee. The new contract is in effect through June 30, 2006. The hourly pay hike will be retroactive for the past year.
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