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Selectmen approve $10,527.84 to repair Ladder 1 after crack and early rust found
Summary
The board voted to expend $10,527.84 from the fire operating budget to repair a cracked rail and address early rust under ladder rungs on Ladder 1, bringing the ladder portion back into service; the department and board discussed longer‑term vehicle replacement options for 2027–2028.
The Swansea Board of Selectmen voted on Nov. 12 to authorize repairs to the town’s Ladder 1 after the fire department reported structural issues with the aerial ladder.
Fire Department representative Eric told the board that pre‑maintenance inspection uncovered a crack in one of the ladder rails and early rust beneath rubber‑covered rungs. “They found a crack in one of the rails,” Eric said, explaining that the defect automatically takes the ladder out of service until repaired. Technicians also reported rust beneath the rubber covering on multiple rungs.
The department obtained a repair quote for just over $10,500 to replace or repair the affected rail and address corrosion. The board approved a motion to expend $10,527.84 from the fire operating budget for the repairs; the motion passed by voice vote. Eric said the vendor estimated a repair timeframe of about two weeks.
Board members discussed longer‑term fleet strategy — including the timing of replacing older apparatus and whether an eventual ‘quint’ (combined engine/ladder) might reduce the total number of vehicles — but agreed the immediate priority was restoring Ladder 1 to service.
Next step: the repair will proceed and staff will monitor vehicle replacement timing and funding needs as part of future CIP discussions.
