The Fayette Fire Department is getting closer to purchasing a new ladder truck. The department has been in need of a new or used ladder truck since 2014 when it deemed the department’s 1980 model year truck unsafe for use. The council at the time elected to make repairs to the 1980 truck. But even then, it was not put in service due to its age and condition. 

Central Methodist University originally pledged $30,000 toward the purchase of a new or used ladder truck that would adequately service the taller buildings on campus in the event of a fire. Vice President for Finance and Administration Julee Sherman told the Fayette Advertiser on Friday that nothing has since been discussed, but that CMU would invite a discussion regarding a financial pledge toward its purchase.

“That would buy us some hoses,” said Fayette Fire Chief Chris Baylor. “That stuff’s expensive.”

The department hopes to purchase a used circa 2001 ladder truck from the Columbia Fire Department in the next 30 to 60 days at a cost of approximately $150,000. The department has at its disposal $200,000 in a sinking fund, and would then have to outfit the new truck with equipment and new decals.

Baylor also told the council that the fire department is keeping better training records in an effort to keep the city’s ISO status from rising. The city had received a 90-day extension about a month ago to make recommended improvements. The lower the ISO rating, the better. A higher ISO rating would cause insurance rates to rise for anyone who owns property within the city.