Tarentum Council relented Monday and unanimously agreed to pitch in about $180,000 toward a new fire engine for Eureka Fire Rescue EMS.
Eureka officials want to purchase a new pumper truck outfitted with an unmanned snorkel boom to replace two engines that are nearly 40 years old.
The department applied for a $260,000 grant through the federal Department of Homeland Security. Although the grant hasn't been awarded, fire company members say there is a strong indication they'll receive the money.
However, the grant money only will pay for slightly more than half of the estimated $450,000 cost for the vehicle.
Eureka earlier this month approached council for the remainder.
Borough Manager Bill Rossey initially questioned whether the borough could afford it, but on Monday he said they could make it happen.
Rossey said it helps that the money likely won't be needed for at least a year, and possibly not for two years.
Eureka Chief Rich Heuser said the company can work with the manufacturer to delay completion of the truck to give the borough more time.
Rossey said the extra time will allow him to reallocate money in the budget and start saving for the engine. He said the borough also can look for other grants and apply for low-interest loans.
"I don't think Tarentum Borough can turn this down," said Council President Carl Magnetta. "I think it's a no-brainer."
Rossey said if council delayed, Eureka could lose the grant altogether.
Magnetta and Heuser said if the borough does not act on the grant and buy a new truck soon, they risk one of the current engines breaking down and having to pay the entire cost of a new engine.
Councilman Mike Gutonski said he would feel more comfortable with contributing the money if the borough was named a co-owner with Eureka. Heuser said he would not object to that condition.
Councilman Joseph Davidek said he had been planning to object to the purchase until the borough's three fire companies reorganized. In addition to Eureka, Tarentum is served by Highland Hose on Corbet Street and Summit Hose in West Tarentum.
"As of this morning, I was dead-set against this," Davidek said. "I feel there should be a merger of our fire departments."
But Davidek said after discussions with incoming council members, he is confident reorganization will be addressed next year.
"I don't think we have a choice (about reorganizing)," Magnetta said, noting that it will be difficult for the borough to support three independent companies with aging equipment and buildings. "No one wants to lose their fire hall. But it's something we're going to have to do."
Davidek also asked for reassurance from Heuser that the new engine will fit in one of Eureka's buildings. The borough ran into a problem three years ago when council agreed to buy a new $560,000 aerial truck for Highland Hose before learning they'd have to add onto the fire hall because the existing structure was too small.
Heuser said Eureka checked with the manufacturer and is certain the truck will fit in an existing building.
Council approved the expenditure 6-0. Councilwoman Ginger Sopcak was absent.
In other business
= Council officially accepted Frazer's termination of the police contract that expires in June 2008.
Frazer supervisors are exploring options of forming a joint police department or contracting with another municipality, possibly East Deer.
Council members on Monday said there were no hard feelings over ending the contract, a 3-year deal that paid Tarentum about $360,000 annually for 24-hour coverage of Frazer.
"This is a big headache out of our hair," Magnetta said. "I wish them a lot of luck. I think they're getting into more than they realize."
Police Chief Bill Vakulick said the cancellation was due to cost, not dissatisfaction for the service Tarentum was providing.
Magnetta said if Frazer officials came back to Tarentum and requested a new contract, he would be willing to work with them.
"We're not leaving on bitter terms," he said.
Council approved a 2008 budget that does not increase property taxes.
Rossey said the $6 million spending plan will maintain taxes at 5.48 mills, a rate that was increased by 1 mill at the beginning of 2007.
