News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Monterey will address concerns of fire coverage in the city by exploring options to purchase a new ladder truck.
Mayor JJ Reels said after Saturday’s Perdue Plant fire, it became evident the city needs to find the funding for the safety of the community.
“We had a fire at one of our most important businesses in the city, if not the most important,” Reels said. “We could not get to the roof, because we did not have a ladder truck. It became very very apparent on Saturday that we definitely need to get a new fire truck.”
Reels said purchasing options will be discussed during Monday’s board of alderman meeting. Fire Chief Kevin Peters recommended to the board of alderman last fiscal year that a newer ladder truck was needed, but budget restraints around COVID postponed the purchase.
“When Kevin Peters presented to me last year that I thought it was pretty important cause the ladder truck we have in inoperable,” Reels said. “It is going to cost I think he said around $35,000 to get it fixed. Instead of spending $35,000, we can sell that one and recoup some money.”
Reels said the city is most likely to lease to own a new ladder truck. When Peters approached the board, he estimated a ladder truck would cost $16,000 a year for five years.
“It is something that we should have done,” Reels said. “Instead of spending $35,000, we could have spent $80,000 over five years and got the equipment we needed. Realistically, this can affect everyone’s home insurance in Monterey, because we do not have the equipment we need.”
The grease fire was contained to the east wing of the building with damage to the roofing and air vents. Monterey’s Fire Department was forced to call for aid from neighboring departments since it did not have a working ladder truck.
