Hermitage will buy firetruck

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- City commissioners have agreed to put up $185,000 to buy a new aerial firetruck for the Hermitage Volunteer Fire Department.
City Manager Gary Hinkson said commissioners approved the purchase during a special meeting Wednesday. At the same time, commissioners gave city staff permission to advertise the sale of the department's 1970 aerial truck. The city holds title to that vehicle, he said.
Commissioners will pay for the new truck, but there are negotiations going on with the volunteer department, which may agree to pick up part of the purchase price, Hinkson said.
Hermitage has a paid fire marshal and deputy fire marshal. The rest of the department is made up of volunteers.
Commissioners also are looking at borrowing $5.5 million for a variety of capital improvement projects.
Hinkson said the idea of borrowing the money for storm water, transportation improvement, recreation and other projects was discussed during a work session after the special meeting.
City staff will get financing arrangements in place for a formal vote by commissioners at their meeting Nov. 24, Hinkson said.