WILTON – After years of often tense discussion, selectmen and members of the Fire Department have agreed to ask voters for up to $190,000 for a new firetruck.

“This matter has gone on a long time, and to be at this point – where the selectmen are ready to ask voters this question – is … good,” Town Manager Peter Nielsen said Wednesday.

Selectmen voted last year to ask the town for up to $250,000 for a new truck, but in the ensuing months argued often with fire Chief Sonny Dunham and other firefighters about what type of truck to buy.

Dunham suggested buying a small Class A pumper, while selectmen and consultant Paul Ripa of Farmington favored a heavy duty mini pumper.

Eventually, Selectman Russell Black said, Dunham suggested selectmen just give the department a figure, and let the firefighters pick a truck. “So we took the figure we had been recommended by Paul Ripa of $180,000 to $190,000,” Black said. “We just were not getting anywhere trying to decide between the two groups.

“And most of the selectmen felt that we needed a heavy duty mini pumper,” Black said. “And we still feel that way. But we didn’t seem able to convince the fire company to look in that direction.”

The $190,000, if approved, will come out of surplus, Black said.

Either way, what they get will be an improvement over what the department has now, Black said. “They’re the ones that gotta use it, and so be it. We’ll have good fire protection, and that’s the ultimate. This new truck will prolong the life of Engine 7.”

“I’m happy for the selectmen, town and fire department,” Nielsen said. “I’m looking forward to an outcome that reflects the will of the town.”

“I hope there’s a big turnout to vote upon this firetruck issue. It’s been going on about 20 months, and I think it’s about time to purchase a firetruck,” Dunham said.

Also at the special town meeting, voters will be asked to support a community development block grant application seeking federal money to renovate the town library. If voters agree, the town will act as a conduit for the money.

“Basically (in a yes vote) the town is saying this is a worthy project, and good luck with the grant,” Nielsen said.

The special town meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Academy Hill School Cafeteria, Nielsen said. Special town meetings have never been held there before.