By: Casha Caponegro
The Township Committee began to take steps on Monday that could mean buying a new ladder truck for the Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company.
It passed a resolution that amends the township’s 2002 capital budget to authorize the issuing of bonds to pay for a new fire truck, if the committee chooses to do so in the future.
"This lays the groundwork for us to say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ later on," said Township Administrator Fred Carr.
The township also introduced an ordinance that provides for the acquisition of a fire truck, allowing the township to borrow $750,000 to finance part of its cost.
The second reading of the ordinance will be held on Nov. 18.
Members of the fire company requested the new fire truck earlier this year because the current ladder truck, a 1963 GMC model, is becoming too old to maintain. They said the average life span of a ladder truck is 20 years.
Fire officials said they estimated the new ladder truck to cost $850,000. They offered to contribute $100,000 toward the purchase if the township would fund the remaining $750,000.
This summer, committee members said they were confident that a significant increase in ratables over the past several years would allow the township to help with the purchase.
The committee also rehired consultant William Peters, who assisted the fire company in purchasing a new engine in 2000. The township contributed $350,000 toward that purchase, with the fire company funding the remaining $200,000.
Township officials on Monday said the 2002 capital budget, or list of large projects that the township anticipates borrowing money for, did not include the new ladder truck, which is why it was necessary to pass a resolution amending this budget before passing an ordinance that would authorize its purchase.
Assisted by Mr. Peters, the fire company will review bids for the new truck over the next month. They will report back to the committee on Dec. 16.
