At the Pike County Commission’s first meeting of November, the commission head a request from Troy Fire Department Fire Chief Thomas Outlaw to assist in funding a new rescue truck.

Outlaw said the department sorely needs the new rescue truck. “We spent $3,000 on maintenance on our current truck last year,” Outlaw said. “This year, I’ve already spent $400.”

Outlaw said the truck would benefit the whole county. “We use the rescue truck for auto accidents,” Outlaw said. “We will outfit the truck with a 300 gallon tank to flow foam to put out vehicle fires. We currently lack that capability. This will allow us to flow foam as quick as we get there.”

Outlaw said the old rescue truck will be donated to the Banks Volunteer Fire Department. “In the proposal, we donate the old truck to Banks,” Outlaw said. “The volunteers do a great job.’

It is estimated that the cost of the truck will be in the neighborhood of $90,000.

The commission declined to vote on the funding until a specific price is determined for the vehicle.

The commission reelected Homer Wright to serve as Chairman for 2014. Joey Jackson was elected Vice-Chairman

The commission did approve nine items of business.

• The commission approved a family medical leave of absence for a county employee.

• The commission approved its annual bank account list.

• The commission reappointed Steve Carter to the Pike County Water Authority Board.

• The commission took the County Administrator’s recommendation to begin discussing a contract with Train to refurbish the county’s electrical equipment.

• The commission nominated Donny Mobley to the Coffee County Water Authority Board.

• The commission declared three pick-up trucks and a truck body as surplus.

• The commission agreed to maintain a state-owned generator at the EMA office.

• The commission approved a Red Cross Memorandum of Understanding.

• The commission approved a proposal to allow the Pike County Road Department to keep one emergency vehicle in use after hours.