The Frankfort Fire Department received some very welcomed news Thursday night when the Frankfort Redevelopment Commission agreed to help fund two very much needed trucks for the department.
“I think it was wonderful news,” said Frankfort Fire Chief Matt Stidham. “I’m very happy, very excited. It’s great news not only for me as the fire chief but for the department and the community we serve to have the RDC invest in us as a department and in the community.”
The RDC voted unanimously to go ahead and agree to the purchase. The agency agreed to make up to $250,000 available for the deal.
“We’re just kind of partnering with the city for the sole purpose that it saves the taxpayers money,” said RDC Chairman Joe Palmer. “Even though we’re spending TIF dollars, which is not paid in by the citizens of Frankfort, it’s paid in by the industrial and commercial properties.”
Palmer added they will save taxpayers over $400,000 in interest and they’ll save taxpayers an additional $60,000 for purchasing the trucks earlier.
The pumper truck will cost $876,837. Stidham said it will replace the one they currently have.
The Quint fire truck is for the new proposed fire station to be located on State Road 28 west of County Road 450 and has a $1,723,300 price tag on it.
Stidham the need for the new trucks is imperative.
“They were 2005 trucks and the age of those trucks are really starting to get to that maximum,” said Stidham. “One of the trucks that we currently have has been in the shop since July and has caused a lot of headache. The sister truck of that we use as a backup. That truck is being used now. But, unfortunately, one of our newer pieces of equipment has now broke down and we’re waiting on parts for it right now.”