Canton Electors Approve $400,000 for Pool Upgrades, $275,000 Toward Fire Engine Replacement Plan

Wednesday night, town electors approved a plan to tap into town reserves for $400,000 in pool improvements and $275,000 toward a package purchase of two fire engines. 

The pool funding is for various improvements such as a new concrete deck, better drainage, partial shell repair and modernized, above-ground mechanical systems. 

The Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department brought forth a plan to replace two Class A Pumper engines at a cost of $899,960. With a little more than $567,000 in a capital fund for engine replacement, an additional $275,000 was needed. 

The town was initially preparing to replace one engine over the next year but department officials said purchasing two would result in savings on maintenance, purchase price and get the town back on track with its replacement plan. They've also asked the town to increase the funds it sets aside every year for apparatus replacement. 

In addition, department officials said its problematic Engine 6 is top priority, even though at 20 years old, it's not the oldest in the fleet. The next priority is Engine 1, which is approximately 25 years old. That engine needs some maintenance, has a few potentially serious issues and holding off its replacement would result in keeping it in service longer than it should be, officials said. 

Also Wednesday night, residents accepted a $500,000 small cities grant for 21 Dowd Ave.