Last night, Espanola council has approved the purchase of a new pumper truck.
Espanola Fire Chief Mike Pichor told the council the 1991 pumper truck is 32 years old and needs replacing to provide fire services to Espanola and surrounding areas.
He says the costs have been rising astronomically and he wanted immediate approval rather than waiting for the 2024 budget to be completed and losing the opportunity to buy the new truck at a cost of $595,000 plus taxes and related costs.
The funding would come from reserves, and it would take up to two years’ time for the truck to be built and delivered.
Due to the time issue and possible rising costs, the council agreed to allow for up to $600,000 for the purchase.