The Leitchfield City Council has tabled the purchase of a new fire truck for the fire department.
“The one we currently have is 35 years old,” Duvall told the council then. “It struggles to (pass) its annual pump and ladder test. They (inspectors) actually gave us a couple of breaks the last time they were here” for an inspection.
During Monday night’s meeting, the fire chief was joined by Jason Colson from Atlantic Emergency Solutions with a proposal for a new truck that would be ready in March 2025.
Colson told the council that he currently had a 107-foot ladder truck that would cost roughly $1.4 million. He said he feels confident the cost will not exceed that number but it could be less.
For example, there are over 400 different options that could come on the truck that would change the cost. One of which was a combination of airbags and side-roll protection which would cost $10,000. That cost is currently built into the number that is proposed. These features are newer additions to fire trucks.
Colson referred to the current 35-year-old truck when referencing the National Fire Protection Agency’s (NFPA) recommendation of replacing a truck after it hits the 25-year mark.
One council member asked for Duvall’s opinion on the cost and the potential purchase. He said, “I know it’s a big expense but we have to bite the bullet sometime or another.”
Councilman Clayton Miller asked about the potential of purchasing a used fire truck. Colson said that a 2008 truck with roughly 100,000 miles would cost $325,000 and a 2000 truck would cost around $175,000. He did say that a new truck is obviously closer to the 25-year mark recommended by the NFPA and will not come with the customizability of the new truck.
The proposal from the company was not bid through typical means and was instead brought forward to the council. The members agreed that they would rather bid the project out with the correct specifications and revisit the manner at a future meeting.
Colson, while respecting the decision, did caution the council in saying he only had one of these trucks available. To start the process over, they would be looking at the new truck coming in 42-45 months which would be early 2027. Additionally, new EPA changes will go into effect that year and will force the cost of the engine to raise over $100,000.
Duvall and Clerk Lori Woosley said they would meet on Tuesday to finalize specifications for a bid.
Baseball board requests “Fall Ball” this year
Leitchfield Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Christy Higdon asked the council to approve the addition of fall baseball to the city this year.
Higdon said that there would be three divisions available with coach pitch, minor and major all having the ability to play.
Higdon said that these games would happen on the same night as the other games so the players could truly feel a part of the experience. This would also allow some of their classmates to cheer them on as they play.
The fall season will begin in the middle of August and will run through the end of September.
Fireworks ordinance could be revised
Councilwoman Terri Haycraft asked if other members of the council would have an interest in revisiting the Leitchfield fireworks ordinance that was originally passed in 2017.
Haycraft said that she received multiple calls from constituents about fireworks happening later than the time laid out in the ordinance of midnight on July 3 and 4.
Police Chief David Riley said that his officers were called out to multiple locations during the holiday weekend with complaints dealing with fireworks. He said that he thinks there is some confusion on whether fireworks are allowed year-round or just on the specified dates.
No specific action was taken on the manner.
The council also discussed the potential of partnering with the county on the purchase and construction of a farmer’s market location. K105 will have more on the vote and proposal later on Tuesday.
By: Sam Gormley, Local News
Reach Sam at sam@k105.com
