Most public agencies set aside reserve money to
purchase key capital items. Unfortunately, over the last ten years we have not
done this for our department, mostly to keep taxes in Levant at a lower rate.
By doing this, we have no large sums of money in reserve to purchase and
upgrade much needed equipment and emergency apparatus. We would like to make a
10 year plan to upgrade, repair and replace equipment that is out of service or
in need of repairs to remain functional. With this money we can properly plan
for the future with improved equipment for our current membership. Please take
time to review the enclosed packet of information that discusses in detail our
voter approval of 2.5 million for these improvements.
Why a CIP Now?
· With COVID-19 costs of goods are going up and
we expect the costs of items requested will continue to increase. So securing
lower costs now will save us money in the future.
· If we secure the money now, over the next ten years
we can avoid having multiple requests for a large amount of capital reserve
money to replace apparatus, air packs, and gear all of which will overlap over
the next ten years.
· If not approved, unfortunately we will need to
begin setting aside large sums of reserve money to make these purchases as
needed, year after year to build reserve funds back up.
· The department hasn’t asked for a large sum of
tax payer funding since the purchase of our current station, which is paid off
with no money owed.
· We are proud of the support this town has
always given us and we take pride in making public safety something people in
Levant can be proud of, especially with our interaction with our younger
generations and community events.
· Levant also has a history of obtaining grant
funding as well, but this money has become much harder to obtain for large
purchases.
· For further questions or comments email Chief
Strout at estrout@levantpublicsafety.net
What does this request entail?
- A new rescue pumper to replace our current
rescue, that will be 20 years old next year. This includes an upgrade to new
jaws of life included in this truck purchase.
- A new tanker to replace our current engine,
and take the added use off of our lead engine extending the trucks life. Our
current engine is 27 years old, and requires more repairs annually.
-Replace our current compressor used to fill
our air bottles. Our compressor is 19 years old, and parts are becoming
unavailable to find and perform repairs.
-Replace our current department air packs.
Current air packs will need replacement in 5 years per NFPA standard, but if
done now, it will be cheaper due to a higher trade in value on our current
packs and avoiding increased costs.
-Structural gear for our members. Extra gear
encourages proper cleaning and avoiding dangerous carcinogens. This also allows
us to have a cycle for gear replacement which is recommended every ten years
per NFPA.
-New ambulance and equipment. Current cardiac
monitors are in need of replacement and critical needs for the department. These
are unable to be repaired, only replaced due to age.
-Purchase of smaller response vehicles to be
used to respond to calls, trainings, or meetings. Saving use on our larger
apparatus and fuel.
-Replacement of damaged or older radios to
allow for future digital use.
