Staff Report
PITTSFIELD — Voters supported the purchase of a new $200,000 fire truck for the second time at a special town meeting May 16.
Voters first supported the purchase from the floor on Town Meeting Day in March but some petitioned for a revote by Australian ballot.
The fire truck purchase was approved 69-31 last Wednesday May 16 with one ballot spoiled.
Select Board member Ann Kuendig wasn’t surprised voters supported the purchase.
The volunteer fire department posted a sign to its building asking voters for support.
The Select Board attempted to delay the new fire truck by creating a $35,000 reserve fund to buy the pumper tank instead.
The reserve fund would have allowed the volunteer fire department more time to research options and would have had less impact on tax payers.
Kuendig said the board supported the fire departments needs, but not the fire department’s way of purchasing the truck.
Voters turned down the article suggested by the Select Board.
Voters authorized the volunteer fire department to purchase the truck with up to $200,000 in funds. It will be paid over a five-year period.