BLUE RIDGE, GA – Fannin County is set to receive new equipment after the Board of Commissioner meeting that was held on Tuesday, September, 12, 2017. Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase a new fire truck and spreader for the county.

Public Works Director Zach Ratcliff addressed the Board about the purchase of a new spreader that would salt the roads during inclement weather. Ratcliff found a used spreader for $7,000 that he describes as in “like new” condition.

Public Works Director Zach Ratcliff addresses the Commissioners.

Ratcliff was unable to get a quote on a new spreader of this size, but noted that one that is new in a smaller size would cost $21,000. With the used spreader only being a third of that price, Ratcliff stated, “That’s just a good deal anyway you look at it.”

County Chairman Stan Helton questioned, “And we need this, correct?”

To which Post Two Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee confirmed, “Everything we’ve got out there now is rusted.”

After approval for the purchase of the new spreader, Fire Chief Larry Thomas discussed with the Board a used fire engine he had found. The fire engine, located in Alabama, had been inspected by Thomas and he stated, “It appears to be in very, very good condition. With low mileage.”

Fire Chief Larry Thomas asks county for a new vehicle.

The original asking price of the vehicle was $59,000, but Thomas had managed to negotiate this price. The sellers came down on price to $45,000 with an agreement to deliver the vehicle to Fannin County.

Thomas stated, “These commercial chassis are very hard to come by.”

Thomas confirmed that he had received $30,000 in insurance reimbursement after an accident involving one of the county’s fire engines in December 2016. This money would be put toward the purchase of the new vehicle.

The new fire engine will be placed at Station 9 to take the place of the vehicle damaged in the December 2016 accident.