Montgomery County's fire fleet is set to expand with the addition of at least one new fire truck, with the possibility of a second, through the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program. Emergency Management Agency Director Allan Pratt presented the opportunity to the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors during their Monday morning meeting.
The Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Program offers the county an opportunity to purchase a fire truck valued between $400,000 and $450,000 at a substantial discount. While discussions about the program have been ongoing for months, EMA Director Pratt mentioned that official documentation only arrived last week.
"You can get up to 80 percent of the total cost of the truck [covered through the program]," explained Chancery Clerk Ryan Wood. This means the county would only need to cover the remaining 20 percent. Chancery Clerk Wood added that the County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are still available and could be used for this purchase.
During the discussion, Board members focused their attention on two potential recipients for the new fire truck, either Duck Hill Volunteer Fire Department or Kilmichael Volunteer Fire Department.
"Kilmichael and Duck Hill are going to have to serve the other fire departments anyways. They need new trucks," Chancery Clerk Wood said.
District 1 Supervisor Keith McGee motioned to proceed with the program and allocate the first truck to the Duck Hill Volunteer Fire Department, due to them having the oldest truck in a population center. District 2 Supervisor Edwin Taylor seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
While one truck is currently confirmed, Emergency Management Agency Director Pratt noted that Montgomery County may have an opportunity to acquire a second truck through the same program this spring.
