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Charlton OKs three-year lease to replace firefighters’ SCBA equipment
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Summary
With an unsuccessful federal grant application last cycle, the Charlton Select Board authorized a three-year lease-purchase to replace SCBA packs, cylinders and masks; the town will apply any future grant award to pay off the lease.
The Charlton Select Board unanimously authorized a three-year lease-purchase agreement on April 28 to replace the Fire Department's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) packs, cylinders and masks.
Town Administrator Andrew reviewed the history: the department applied for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in a prior cycle and the town had encumbered a $69,000 match at fiscal-year end; that application was not successful. Chief Barton requested the lease so equipment replacement could proceed; the town has reapplied for the current AFG cycle and, if awarded, the grant funds would be applied toward paying off the lease early. Board members asked about prepayment penalties and were told there are none, and that early payoff would be permitted without penalty.
A motion to authorize the lease was made, seconded and approved by roll-call vote. The board recorded the motion as unanimous.
The authorization authorizes procurement and a financing schedule for the equipment; if the grant award arrives it will be used to retire the lease sooner than its three-year schedule.
