Lancaster City Council Approves Purchase Of New Fire Truck

The Lancaster Common Council has approved the purchase of another new firetruck. The decision comes after no action was taken on a proposal to buy a new truck during the council’s January meeting. Then, in February, the council approved the purchase of a new tanker for more than $350,000. The previous tanker was removed from service due to no longer meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards. The council changed its stance during its recent meeting, when it approved the purchase of another new truck to replace the Fire Department’s Engine No. 1. The truck was scheduled for replacement next year, but Fire Chief Steve Braun said it will take two years to build, making the truck unable to be delivered until 2024. If the city waited to buy the truck, it would cost an additional $70,000 after May 1st. The City Council approved the purchase for more than $963,000. The city is responsible for less than $580,000. Even though Engine No. 1 is in need of repairs, Braun says it’s operational and should last while awaiting the new engine.