Aid sought for fire departments
Local fire departments in Putnam County have spent a lot of time helping with clean-up of debris and trees related to recent severe weather and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Kim Hyten wants to provide them with some funds to pay for equipment.
Hyten asked the Putnam County Board of Commissioners this week to consider providing each of the fire departments with $2,000 for the purchase of chain saws and accessory equipment.
"Many of these departments used their own equipment to help take out debris and cut down trees and they need new equipment," Hyten told the board.
Along with the request for the money for equipment is a commitment from the fire departments to help the county highway continue to remove debris that is still in and around any structures, culverts and bridges.
"I would also like to see, if the request is granted, all the fire departments coming together to purchase the equipment in the hope that buying in bulk will get them a better deal," said Hyten.
There are 11 fire departments including Greencastle that would receive the funds.
Commissioner Gene Beck told the board that there is money in the Solid Waste Tipping Fee Fund, which could be used for the project.
Board members decided to table the decision until the next meeting on August 18. They asked Hyten to ask firefighters to attend the meeting.
"I'm sure they will want to come. We'll probably fill the room with them," said Hyten who hopes to be able to tell the fire departments about the money at the next County Fire Chiefs meeting on Sept. 13.