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Council approves $1.7 million bond for fire apparatus; fire and EMS staffing, equipment updates reported
Summary
The council adopted bond ordinance 2362-25 to fund a new fire apparatus. Fire officials praised council support, reported heavy call volumes and outlined equipment maintenance needs; the mayor noted delivery of a new vac truck and progress on ambulance coverage.
The Borough of Hawthorne Council adopted bond ordinance 2362-25, appropriating $1.7 million for acquisition of fire department capital equipment, specifically a fire apparatus, and authorizing bonds or notes to finance the purchase.
Motion and vote: Councilmember Bennett moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilmember Leosah seconded. Councilmember Woteki recorded an abstention; all other members voted yes and the motion carried.
Public-safety context: Fire Department leaders told the council the department’s call volume has risen — the department answered just under 800 calls last year and had already exceeded 100 calls for the year at the time of the meeting. Fire leadership said the apparatus currently being replaced has increasing maintenance needs, and replacement lead times for new equipment can be two to three years. The department also reported some repair needs on another truck; the chief said mechanics expect to keep the apparatus in service while ordering parts.
The council and mayor also reported recent public-safety acquisitions and operations: the borough’s new vac truck was delivered and placed in service, painted and lettered; the mayor thanked neighboring towns for temporary loan of equipment. The mayor and staff also reported that Hawthorne’s internal EMS response percentage has increased substantially (an administration representative said Hawthorne’s response had increased “almost 60%”) although gaps remain and work continues to secure coverage.
Why this matters: The council authorized capital financing to replace fire apparatus used frequently in town. Fire officials emphasized both the operational need for modern apparatus and the high call volume the department now handles. One councilmember abstained from the ordinance vote; the ordinance otherwise passed.
Meeting details and follow-up: The ordinance text recorded the appropriation and bond authorization; the clerk was directed to advertise the adoption according to law. Fire leadership said replacement procurement is underway; staff will return to the council with procurement and delivery updates.
