The Pittsboro board of aldermen continued their debate this week over a new fire truck for the town including a debate as to whether a new truck should be purchased at all.
Alderman Jimmy Franklin raised the question again whether the town should forget purchasing a new truck and allow the fire rating to increase. If the rating goes up, homeowners’ insurance is estimated to increase 15-20%.
“I would hate to lose it, but I’m not sure we can afford this,” Franklin said.
“There’s nothing wrong with the truck we’ve got,” Alderman Fred Bullard said.
The new fire truck will cost the town $200,000. They have a $70,000 grant to assist in the payment, but with pulling some funds from reserves the town is still facing monthly payments of approximately $1,200 a month for 10 years.
“I’d like to see us get one, but I just don’t know,” Franklin said.
The town is also facing an approximate $30,000 bill for repairs to the town well.
Due to the financial concerns, the board began discussions on raising water rates to help pay bills, noting its the only revenue source they have.
“I don’t really want to raise them but we’re at a point we have to do something,” Franklin said.
Board agreed to have another meeting likely next week to continue work on the financial issues.
In other news, the board was told the gas station on the Pittsboro square is re-opening soon under new management.
Alderwoman Barbara Kellum and Mayor Reda Bullard were absent from the meeting.