SENECA AREA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

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Emergency Meeting called to look at Engine replacement

The Seneca Area Fire Protection District Board called another emergency meeting June 7, to continue discussion on the Class A Pumper which was permanently taken out of service last week.

The meeting was called to order by President Roy Lankford at 5:30 PM, at Seneca Fire District Station One in Racine, Present at the meeting Board Members, Roy Lankford, Max Keller, Dave Zumwalt, Chief Bruce Jeffers, Deputy Chief Kyle Bridges and Captain Michael Steele.

Board Member Max Keller brought to the attention of the board that he had been looking at several engines as a replacement for engine 2 which was removed out of service permanently last week. Keller present the board with information on 5 engines that might meet the criteria of the fire district. Keller noted that most used apparatus has a limited warranty of 90 days. President Lankford was concerned that the warranty was not long enough and “that we could be buying another departments problem.” The Board continue discussion to find a solution.

After a lengthy discussion about the apparatus presented and the cost of purchasing it. Dave Zumwalt stated “with the cost of a used fire apparatus that is 10 years old, in good condition, costing in excess of $ 100,000 plus the cost of the interest of 7.25% on a 5 year note, the payment would exceed the current tax base income of the Seneca Area Fire District.” Zumwalt went on to say “the board would not be good stewards of the tax payer’s money if they (the board) purchased a used pumper and then pay thousands of dollars in interest for this used piece of equipment."

The current costs the department incurs to operate is currently exceeding the financial income of the department therefore, Seneca Area Fire District Board after a long deliberation, decided “at this time to continue with protecting the Seneca Area Fire District boundaries with the only Class A pumper (stationed at Racine) due to the financial income of the department.” The Board and Officer staff will continue to research other available means for funding to replace equipment that is at the end of it’s service life.