Macomb Township approves $42,204 emergency ladder-truck repair and hires full-time firefighter Tommy Smith

The Macomb Township Board of Trustees on Sept. 10 unanimously approved an emergency repair contract with Payette Sales and Service for $42,204 to return a ladder truck to service and separately approved hiring Tommy Smith as a full‑time firefighter.

Fire Department leadership told the board the truck was removed from service after failing a morning check when the swivel that allows the lifter to rotate became inoperable. "The swivel that allows the lighter to rotate is inoperable," the chief said, adding that inspection found the part failure during a routine check. The chief provided a cost breakdown: parts estimated at $35,484 and labor estimated at $6,720. He told trustees the vehicle is expected to be out of service for approximately a month.

Trustees asked about operational redundancy while the ladder truck is sidelined. The chief said mutual‑aid arrangements with neighboring communities have been adjusted so that similar apparatus will respond in Macomb Township when needed and the township has a plan to have an apparatus with comparable capabilities available for calls.

Separately, the board approved the hire of Tommy Smith as a full‑time firefighter. Human resources recommended Smith after an internal posting; Smith has served as a part‑time firefighter with the township since 08/28/2017 and, according to staff, holds the required certifications for the full‑time role. Staff said the effective date would be sometime in mid‑September. The motion to hire Smith passed unanimously.

Both votes were taken by voice; the ladder truck repair motion was moved and supported on the floor and approved by roll call with all members voting in favor.

The township did not provide a vendor warranty or extended service timeline in the meeting record. The chief said he would be available for follow‑up questions as the repair proceeds.