Residents of Swan’s Island met at the island school for a special town meeting on June 20. Fire chief Robert Gardner and assistant fire chief Joshua Joyce asked voters to approve a request for a new fire truck. Chief Gardner explained to voters that the truck being replaced, a tanker, is almost 30 years old and has been in need of constant repairs for quite a few years.
Swan’s Island resident Spencer Joyce spoke in favor of the new truck. Joyce told voters that residents in many island communities are finding it difficult to obtain homeowners’ insurance. Joyce gave credit to the volunteer firefighters, and stated the need to provide the department with the equipment necessary so that properties will remain insurable.
Chief Gardner reported on several options to replace the old truck. His recommendation was the purchase of a brand new Sterling 3,500-gallon tanker at a cost to taxpayers of $196,350.
Selectman Dexter Lee told voters that the money would be borrowed and paid back over a period of five years, which would mean an increase in taxes in next year’s budget.
Lorraine Stockbridge made a motion to borrow the money needed to purchase the new truck. The motion was seconded and a written ballot vote followed. The vote was 46-0 in favor of borrowing the money for the new truck, suggesting that residents are very supportive of emergency services on the island.
The new tanker will likely be built by K & T Fire Equipment, Island Falls, Maine. Delivery is expected in January 2007.