GREENWOOD – Voters will decide whether to authorize borrowing $75,000 to buy a used rescue vehicle and raise $2,000 to maintain a picnic area at a special town meeting Tuesday night.

The $75,000 would be in the form of a general obligation note to buy a 1992 Ford command rescue and equipment vehicle for the Greenwood Fire Department.

Chief Jim Owens said the department was the high bidder at an auction for the vehicle, which is in Montgomery County, Maryland. No town money has been contributed toward the purchase, and the town is not obligated to buy the vehicle.

The Fire Department is using a 1982 school bus purchased from SAD 44. Owens said the bus is overloaded and has steering problems.

He said the 1992 vehicle comes with used equipment, including two hydraulic rescue tools. The vehicle would be used to carry an air cascade system, designed to supply air bottles to firefighters. It would also respond to situations such as building collapses and industrial accidents where more equipment would be required.

Owens estimated that purchasing new equipment alone would cost the town $132,000.

Voters previously rejected a proposal to purchase a new vehicle for $225,000. The option to purchase a used vehicle has been recommended by the Fire Department, capital investment committee and selectmen.

Town Treasurer Kim Sparks said the total indebtedness of the town would stand at $289,156 if the article passes. Over the five-year loan period, the town would pay $9,920.58 in interest. The average taxpayer would pay $65 toward the purchase over five years.

If this article passes, voters will decide what amount of money to raise toward the new debt for the vehicle. She selectmen and capital improvement committee have recommended $5,660.

In addition, voters will decide whether to take over maintenance and cleaning of the Greenwood Shores Picnic Area on Route 26. The state closed the area in June, but is willing to give ownership and maintenance responsibility over the picnic tables and bathroom facility to the town.

Selectmen recommended that the town raise $2,000 toward maintenance of the picnic area. They have also recommended $1,000 each to be allocated to Dunham Park and the town beach.

Voters will also decide whether to increase the property tax levy limit of $513,043.30 in case the budget approved by the articles exceeds the limit.

The final two articles will decide whether to enact the town’s littering and board of appeals ordinances.