new $750,000 Meredith fire truck

[4 for Boating]

Just to toss my two cents in and to make my position clear on the truck, if the fire or police departments need something then I’m all for it if done in a proper purchasing/bid manner. Having said that and given the fact that Meredith may have needed these things in order to assure the people that help protect and respond to the community are in the best position to help, can someone tell me why given the need for these expensive purchases (New Police Station/Re-Furbished Fire Station/New Fire Truck >> Totaling over $4.5M In town floated bonds) would we need to have an additional $3.5M community center?

Don’t get me wrong, it is certainly nice to have but with all the other necessary expenses and a rising tax rate, why would a fiscally responsible team approve/proceed with this?

[Argie's Wife]

Attached to this post is the 2008 tax burden by state.

VT is 8th and NH is 46th on the list for tax burden.

VT is 22nd and NH is 10th on the list for income per capita.

FLL - you're welcome to explore the cost per pupil, social programs, and other expenditures that VT has vs. what NH spends on. They raise more money and spend more money, is the short of it. Perhaps the $20K engine was purchased because it wasn't well planned for, but that's just an assumption...

[fatlazyless]

Hi ScubaJay....you obviously know about the specifics of your job so I owe you an apology for suggesting Laconia gives you dental insurance coverage.

As far as the Meredith Selectmen, I base that on what I read in the Laconia Daily Sun from aproximately Sept 2008. As I recall, the five selectmen, according to the LaDaSun were discussing ways to keep costs down, and someone, probably Chairman Peter Brothers was reported to have looked around at all four other selectmen and say something like "I believe this will be the best that we can do unless you will agree to all give up your health insurance benefits. Looking around the room, no one raised their hand, and the discussion moved on." (a paraphrase from memory)

I'm looking around in the LaDaSun search engine, and will get back with the exact quote. But, that piece of info struck a chord (boing!) in my brain and stayed with me.

Again, ScubaJay....sorry for the false info on my part....nothing personal....your work is appreciated....especially when it's a real fire like at my own house, and not just a false alarm somewhere else! fll

[tis]

The selectmen in Wolfeboro get health insurance too.

[fatlazyless]

Meredith ladder truck dented but no serious damage done

MEREDITH - The Fire Department's new ladder truck was damaged when it was backed into one of the bollards (posts) astride the doors of the apparatus bay of the new stationhouse on November 11.

Selectman Chuck Palm, the former fire chief, said Friday that the extent of the damage was limited to dents in the rear bumper and rear quarter panel. "The damage had no affect on the operation of the truck," he said. The truck he stressed was fully insured and arrangements for its repair have been made.

The town purchased the new truck, which was commissioned on November 5, for $760,000.

Laconia Daily Sun, Nov 30
.......
Surprize Pop Quiz

1. With their new 100' aerial tower truck, how many Laconia firefighters does it take to remove and replace a Christmas tree lightbulb?

2. With their new 100' aerial tower truck, how many Meredith firefighters does it take to remove and replace a Christmas tree lightbulb?

3. If the Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid tones out a call to replace a burnt-out Christmas tree lightbulb in New Hampton, then which neighboring fire department, Meredith or Laconia, is most likely to get to the lightbulb first, and why?

4. When the fire department arrives at the scene of the burnt out Christmas tree lightbulb, how will they detemine which specific lightbulb is burnt out?

5. The State of New Hampshire has how many different towns and cities?

6. The combined total of all the cities and towns in New Hampshire have a total of how many different 100' aerial tower trucks?

7. While the State of NH purchases fire trucks on a town by town, have money, basis: Which nearby new england state purchases fire trucks on a regional basis and why?

8. When it is your house that is burning, do you hope a fire truck will show up quickly and put the fire out?

9. Or, do you hope that the fire will continue to burn so your house will be considered a total loss by your insurance company?

10. Would you encourage your local Laconia or Meredith Fire Dept to adopt a dalmation firehouse dog?

11. (special bonus question) How about a beer guzzl'n basset hound, that likes Pabst Blue Ribbon, for a firehouse buddy........aaaarrrrrrrroooooo........!

[Happy Gourmand]

You are like a dog who bites you in the ass and won't let go....
I have to say that I usually get a chuckle out of many of your comments, but I also have to say that I find that many of your references regarding the new ladder truck to be misinformed, condescending and downright disrespectful. I think it's time for you to throw the towel in on this issue. The ladder truck is in place and there is nothing constructive that you can do about it. Your rants are becoming obnoxious.

[twoplustwo]

Thank you, Phantom. I couldn't agree more.

[Janet]

I totally agree!

[fatlazyless]

....okey-dokey....methinks I get the message......think I will go slink off to that NH Animal Rescue League for Meredith on the Centre Meredith Rd, close to Laconia, and go shop for an adopted beer guzzl'n basset hound for a new buddy. You know, we'll be able to cry in our beer together.....misery luvs company......

Isn't caring for a dog what seems to work at rehabilitat'n long term inmates in some of the prisons?

& aarrrrooooo's to you, too!......................