Painesville City Council has approved a spending plan in order to acquire a new aerial fire truck.
City Council members, administration, and fire department officials met with Financial Director Andy Unetic in order to discuss possible purchasing options prior to the recent council meeting.
The department's current aerial truck, a fire engine with an extending ladder, has been out of service since November due to extensive corrosion and front suspension issues. The truck is critically important to fire prevention and rescue efforts not only in Painesville, but Concord Township as well. The two municipalities split the cost of the engine when it was first purchased in 1990. Unetic has intimated in past interviews that it is unlikely such a partnership would return for the new purchase. “As of now, it looks like we’re on our own.”