Monterey wants to purchase a new ladder truck and fire gear with this year’s CDBG application.
The town could receive up to $420,000 with a $50,000 dollar match from local funds. Alderman Nathan Walker said Monterey has failed on several other grants to purchase a used fire truck, but this application has high potential.
“I say that’s probably the biggest single item that we’re not going to be able to do on our own for the foreseeable future and that’s something he’s been in desperate need now for 20 years,” Walker said.
Fire Chief Kevin Peters said the new truck would replace a model from 1985. Peters said a new fire truck would cost about $375,000 with the remainder to be used for equipment such as water hoses.
Walker said Monterey has historical not had the budget to purchase big ticket items such as a fire truck. Walker said the majority of items that could be purchased through the grant have already been asked for in the next fiscal year budget.
“The most bang for the buck is the public health and safety aspect of this,” Walker said. “(…) With EMS, health and safety, fire protection and communications, I think there is a lot that we could do there.”
Grant Writer Dawn Kupferer said this year only communities with 2,500 buildings or less or classified as low to moderate income can apply for the funding. Kupferer said applications are due April 15th.
“It seems like it is a good year to try for community livability, because it seems like they are putting the most money in there and taking it out of sewer and water,” Kupferer said.
A budget for grant spending now needs to be prepared for the full Board of Aldermen to consider. Then a vote will take place to move forward with the application.
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