URGENT UPDATE: Officials in Saugerties, New York are under pressure to approve the purchase of a $1.1 million fire truck to replace a 23-year-old vehicle that is increasingly unreliable. The Village Board is set to discuss this critical decision following alarming reports from Fire Chief Chris Mason during a meeting on December 1, 2023.
Chief Mason highlighted serious issues with the aging truck, including significant air leaks that jeopardize the vehicle’s braking system. “If we don’t have air, it’s going to basically not let us go anywhere, or could cause the brakes to fail,” he stated. The current vehicle also suffers from generator malfunctions, affecting essential tools and lighting. “Sometimes the generator on the truck stops working on us,” Mason added, emphasizing the urgency of replacing equipment that is no longer reliable.
The fire truck, originally made by American LaFrance, is facing multiple problems, including rusting fuel tanks and faulty gauges. Mason noted, “The fuel gauge … we’re not sure sometimes if it’s correct.” As the vehicle has aged, repairs have become more of a temporary fix than a solution. “We’ve had to Band Aid over the years just to be able to get them passing the standardizations for our annual checks,” he explained.
The price tag for the new truck reflects rising costs due to increased safety standards and tariffs. “The longer we wait to go ahead with this, the more expensive the truck’s going to be,” Mason warned. The last truck purchased in 2015 cost around $600,000, highlighting a notable price increase for fire apparatuses.
Village officials are also considering how this purchase could impact the town’s fire rating, a factor that directly influences local insurance rates. Mayor Bill Murphy acknowledged the complexities of the situation, stating, “The tariffs were a big factor, and we don’t know how it’s going to play out over the next three or four years. That’s the scary part.”
As discussions unfold, the clock is ticking for Saugerties officials to make a decision that could have lasting implications for both public safety and local finances. Residents are urged to stay informed as the Village Board evaluates the necessity and timing of this crucial investment.
Expect further updates as the situation develops. The urgency of ensuring effective fire services cannot be overstated in a community reliant on prompt emergency response.
