Otisfield finding some costs too important to defer

OTISFIELD — While many towns across Maine are looking to defer costs amid budget concerns, Otisfield found one expense that is too important to delay.

The fire department's 12 air tanks have been stretched as far as they can and will have to be replaced. The Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) range from 15 years old to more than 20.

According to Fire Chief Mike Hooker, manufacturers recommend that SCBAs be used for only 15, but the department has been able to get more out of some through preventive maintenance, regular inspection, and necessary repairs.

Although the Board found out last Wednesday that its county tax burden would be increasing by about $13,000 this year, roughly eight dollars per person, it nonetheless agreed that equipment like air tanks is not something anyone wants to take a chance on.

Hooker said he wouldn't want to send any of his firefighters into a blaze without being 100 percent confident in their equipment.

"There's no margin for error," he said. "They're like parachutes. You wouldn't want anyone to jump out of a plane without one that you were sure of."

Hooker said new packs would run the town about $5,000 each, for a total of $60,000, but could be paid off over three years.  There will be extra space in the budget during that time, as the department will finish paying off its newest fire engine this year.  Payments for the truck were $19,000 a year.

In addition, Hooker estimated that new tanks will require about $100 a year less in maintenance and repairs, saving $3,600 over the three years. Combined with the savings from truck payments, there would not need to be any net increase in the department budget.

Though Hooker suggested that he might be able to stretch them for one more year, the opinion of the board that they be replaced in the upcoming fiscal year was unanimous.

"Don't take a chance on the air packs,"said Selectman Rick Micklon. "If you're even a little worried, don't stretch them."

Hal Ferguson agreed, "We don't compromise on safety."