Russellville Fire Department in need of donations for gear

RUSSELLVILLE -- The Russellville Town Council approved the town’s annual contract with the Russellville Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD), with the change of $10,000 instead of $5,000, at its first regular meeting of 2018 Monday night.

The change comes as the RVFD will soon be faced with purchasing $40,000 of breathing apparatus for all 21 firefighters. The department is required by state law to replace the equipment every 15 years.

The department will also have to replace about two-thirds of its turnout gear, which costs about $2,100 per firefighter, in the next year or two. State law mandates their replacement every 10 years.

Fire Chief Mark Rossock, whose held the position for 11 years, said the RVFD regularly hosts fundraisers, but those who would like to donate can contact him at russellvillevfd@tds.net.

The fundraisers include the annual spaghetti dinner, set this year for Feb. 10 at the Russellville Community Center, and raffles throughout the year.

“It’s all volunteer,” Rossock said. “It’s all funded by contracts and donations.”

The RVFD has been in operation since 1915. It is located at 301 S. Public Rd. in Russellville and can be reached at 435-2538.

In other news:

-- Claims: The council approved claims at a total of $11,546.95.

-- Community Crossings Grant: Clerk-Treasurer Martha Mandelco reported that bid packets for improving roads in town will be opened during the Feb. 20 regular meeting. A special meeting for awarding the bid will follow shortly after. The project will be funded by the Community Crossings Grant, which the town received in October to the amount of $225,000.

-- Meetings: The council approved meeting the third Tuesday of February and March, then the third Monday for the rest of the year.

-- Officers: The council appointed Cary McGaughey president.

-- Sand Spreader: The council tabled consideration of the purchase of a salt and sand spreader for $1,800 from Waveland. Co-Street Superintendent Pat Clahan reported the equipment has sat unused in the weather for about ten years and might need repairs.

-- Water Tower: The council approved Troy Elless of UMAC for looking into the cost of an inspection and cleaning of the water tower.

The Russellville Town Council’s next regular meeting is set for Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Russellville Town Hall at 101 N. Harrison St.