SABATTUS – The Fire Department was granted permission from selectmen to dip into its budget to purchase a new speed pump for the forestry truck that was approved at the annual town meeting.
Taxpayers appropriated $45,000 for the truck, which is slated to arrive in February. However, a few upgrades, including an increase from a 220-gallon tank to a 300-gallon tank, brought the total package $657.75 over budget. Fire Chief Donald Therrien said he could pay for the pump by dipping into his equipment account.
“Removing wear and tear on our firefighters is well worth the extra $657,” he said. “The pump has an automatic recoil system for the hose that would remove some hardship for my crew after battling with a forest fire.”
In other business, the deadline for Charter Committee applications is Friday. The town administrator said a few applications have been submitted, but there are still not enough applicants to fill the 10-person panel.
The Police Department also announced that it will be holding its auction at 9 a.m. Saturday. The event will be held in the parking lot behind the town office. All are welcome to attend.
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