City buys truck

When the snow falls this winter, a new truck will be plowing Portland streets.
Members of a local board voted Thursday to purchase a new dump truck for the city’s street department at a cost of $82,718.70. The price reflects a trade-in value of $3,000.
Jeff Harker, street and park department superintendent, told the Portland Board of Works the city currently has a 1998 Chevrolet that has an engine problem. The old truck will be traded in and the new dump truck will be purchased from Moser Motors, Berne. Palmer Trucks, Fort Wayne, also submitted a quote of $94,377, which reflects a trade-in value of $4,000.
Along with plowing snow, the new dump truck will be used to haul gravel and dirt. The city has money budgeted for the truck purchase.
In other business Thursday, board members chose three new volunteer firefighters and approved the hiring of a new water department employee.
Jennay Jackson, Bryan Jellison and Justin Detro will serve as volunteer firefighters for the Portland Fire Department. They will be paid $12 per hour per run. After the first hour, firefighters are paid $3 for each additional 15 minutes.
Also, Corey Cox was hired for the city’s water department. He was chosen from a pool of about 75 applicants. He is replacing Jackie Baughman, who left the department in December.
“I just appreciate the opportunity and hope to exceed the expectations,” Cox told the board.
“I think we made a good decision in Corey,” said water department superintendent Doug Jackson.[[In-content Ad]]