File photo
File photo
The Centralia City Council finds itself in the delicate position of needing to fund much-needed upgrades for its fire department as it balances the economic uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic has produced.
Discussions are underway to hold a work session to discuss the department’s needs and ways to provide funding to purchase new equipment.
WJBD reported Chief John Lynch has prepared a nine-page report detailing the department’s concerns, starting with only having two running pump trucks, one of which is 27 years old. One ladder truck is being repaired and another would take $70,000 to $80,000 to fix. Even with the repairs, the city would have a 22-year-old ladder truck,
The department even has a 49-year-old snorkel truck that cannot be repaired because parts are unavailable.
Despite conversation of a work session, one has not been scheduled to date. Lynch told WJBD the city needs to put a plan in place as it moves forward.
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