An insufficient amount of fire dues collected is plaguing yet another city. Clarkson Fire Department has battled with this issue for several years and now fire officials are turning to city hall for help.

Reporter

mmudd@gcnewsgazette.com

Ryan Hatfield has been a member of the department for quite some time. Hatfield said they are in dire need of a new tanker (fire truck).

Hatfield said they have two trucks, engine 91 and engine 92 that work fine. The third tanker is still in the shop awaiting repairs.

"We have plenty of equipment to make runs to city residents," said Hatfield. "Its just that for mutual aid runs in the county we could really use another tanker."

He went on to further explain they do not have mandatory fire dues.

"If people paid the dues like they should it would really help funding wise to buy the new tanker," said Hatfield. "The problem is they get the bill in and some opt not to pay it then we are back in the same boat again."

Hatfield said people do not realize that the money paid goes toward helping making the city safer for everyone.

Funding in the city is not available at this time. Mayor of Clarkson Bonnie Henderson mentioned the possibility of using grant money to purchase a new truck.

Clarkson Fire Chief Andy Cain said they have applied for several FEMA grants. "Every year we try getting funding for FEMA grants and keep getting turned down," mentioned Cain. "That is the reason we are bringing this issue before the City Council."

Hatfield said a new fire truck can cost anywhere from $65,000 to $175,000.

The council members are scheduled to look into this issue further at the next City Council meeting.