This 2000 ladder truck owned by Wells Fire Department has been sold to Kennebunk, which is awaiting the arrival of its new tower ladder vehicle , which could take as long as two years. Courtesy photo/Wells Fire Department
KENNEBUNK – It will take about 18-24 months for Kennebunk’s new fire department ladder truck to arrive and the 1988 model currently needs about $30,000 worth of maintenance work.
Meanwhile, Wells Fire Department has a 2000 Pierce tower ladder truck they are willing to sell to Kennebunk for $50,000.
And with the prospect of reselling the Wells vehicle once Kennebunk’s new ladder truck arrives for most of the outlay – or keep it as a spare – problem solved.
“It seems like a win all the way around,” said Kennebunk Select Board chair Shiloh Schulte, when the request to buy the Wells vehicle came up at the March 28 board meeting.
“Wells is looking to collaborate,” said Kennebunk Fire Chief Justin Cooper. He said the truck was currently listed for $70,000, but Wells would sell it to their Kennebunk neighbors for $50,000.
Cooper said he would like to donate the department’s 1988 model to Sanford Regional Technical Center. It has no resale value.
“They would benefit from it for training on general operations,” said Cooper.
Cooper said if it turns out that Kennebunk decides to sell the Wells vehicle once Kennebunk’s new fire ladder truck arrives, he is confident the town could realize a “decent amount.”
The board voted unanimously to take $50,000 from the West Kennebunk Utility Corridor TIF, for the purchase.
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