Pawnee County Firefighters Say They Need New Equipment; Explain Upcoming Sales Tax Vote

Firefighters in Pawnee County said most of the equipment they use is at least 30 years old, and in need of updating.

That's why they said they are hoping people will vote yes on an upcoming sales tax vote.

The North 48 Fire Department is a volunteer fire department covering the eastern half of Pawnee County.

"We cover approximately 25 square miles, but our mutual aid reaches out to anywhere between 100 miles of here," said Chief Keith Buntin.

Chief Buntin said the newest model truck they have is from 2006, with the rest of the equipment being at least 30 years old.

"Everything else is 1969, or 1970s model trucks, that's been built in house, and they are aging, you can't find parts from them anymore," he said.

He said if the sales tax vote passes, not only would it help keep people safer with better equipment, it could also help with the county's insurance rating.

"Right now we are at a five, and other departments around us are the same, but with updated equipment, we think we could help lower those rates, which then would save our residents money," he said.

Pawnee Fire Chief Marty Nichols said the equipment his department uses is old too. If the vote passes, people wouldn't be paying more than what they've already been paying.

"The sheriff's tax had a one cent a few years back they voted for a new jail, three-quarters of that penny fell off, and that's what we are going after, 35 percent of three-quarters of a penny," Nichols said.

Nichols said all 12 fire departments in Pawnee County would split the money evenly.

"By being able to move faster into technology, it will allow us to keep everybody safer and do a better job in our service," he said.