Aragon’s police, fire and public works staff is focusing on the need for equipment repairs and purchases.

Lt. John Goodwill, has asked for and received approval of the Mayor and Council for a lease-purchase of a fully equipped 2007 police vehicle at a cost of $14,000.

He said the requested Ford Crown Victoria will replace an old car that has a bad transmission and continued repair problems. According to Goodwill, Chief Wayne Sanders will drive the car.

Fire Chief Frank Matthews gave an update, during the group's October meeting, on the exchange agreement for Aragon’s 1998 E-1 ladder truck for a 1983 Pierce Class A Pumper truck.

He said the fire truck should be delivered in 4 to 6 weeks and placed in use by the department.

Matthews requested and received approval to surplus the old Chevrolet van. Proceeds from the sale would be used to purchase needed equipment.

The Chief also emphasized the need for additional radios. He said plans are to convert one of the mobile radios and sponsor fundraisers to purchase more.

As Aragon’s Safety Coordinator, Matthews said he was putting the backhoe out of service.

“That piece of equipment is dangerous,” he said. “It has a faulty breaking system and other operational problems.”

Matthews focused on the fact that it is his responsibility “to make sure that every person who arrives here for work goes home without injury.”

He plans to present cost estimates for purchase of a basic equipment package for each employee during the next council meeting.

“There is a minimum safety requirement that we must meet,” he said.

Mike Long, public works department, said the backhoe has serious issues that need to be addressed.

He estimated repair costs would total from $6,000 to $8,000 and said the Bobcat was out of service.

“Over the past 12 years, this equipment has not been maintained correctly,” Long said.

He also proposed selling the backhoe for about $10,000 and earmark the money to refurbish the Bobcat.

“We can find more use for this piece of equipment than the back hoe, which is something we don’t need,” he said. “It is designed for digging or use with water and sewer lines.”

He said these changes would allow public works staff to complete jobs that need to be done in Aragon.

Mayor Ken Suffridge recommended that Long compile cost estimates and a complete report, which would be an agenda item in November.

Councilman Curtis Burrus suggested the group approve purchase of a new American flag to place on the 72-foot pole in front of Aragon’s complex. The issue was discussed with the group agreeing that a larger flag was needed.

Council members also approved the 2012 millage rate - gross 22.4 mils with a rollback of 10 to equal 12.4 mils.