While discussions about a new fire ladder truck continue for Athens City Council, members are hindered from moving forward because of economic uncertainty.
City officials are still waiting for a response regarding money contributions from Ohio University to fund the possible $1.03 million truck, said Councilwoman Sherry Coon, D-2nd Ward, at yesterday’s committee meeting.
Representatives from OU President Roderick McDavis’ office told council members that university officials were still in the process of gathering budget information, she said.
Councilwoman Nancy Bain, D-3rd Ward, said she understood the economic hardships the university is facing but wishes university officials would be more willing to help the city.
“I wish OU was more forthcoming with the money since most of the property is theirs,” Bain said.
The purchase would benefit everyone and remains optimistic about the situation, Coon said.“We would be happy to accept their contribution at any time,” she said.
Because of recent economic predictions for the city, council members have been struggling to determine the best way to fund the purchase of the truck, Coon added.
Council is unsure of whether it should borrow the money or continue saving and hope OU contributes to the cost, she said.
The city has currently saved about $640,000 for the purchase of the truck, Mayor Paul Wiehl said.
Although this money has been saved to fund this purchase, Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward said she thinks the savings might be more useful in case of an emergency situation.
“(The purchase of the truck would be) putting a lot of financial eggs in one basket,” Fahl said.
If city officials do not make a decision on how to proceed by the end of April, the initial 2010 pricing for the possible new truck would be lost, Coon said, adding that council members hope to move forward with an ordinance Monday.
“It’s time we get locked in with this purchase and take care of business,” Councilman Elahu Gosney, D-at Large said.
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