Wiscasset will replace its lone public works pickup truck and start to fix the fire department's ladder truck, following a pair of decisions selectmen made February 4.

The ladder truck has been out of use for six months, Fire Chief T.J. Merry said. The department had sought funds to work on it last year, but plans later changed to replace a fire department pickup instead.

Selectmen agreed Tuesday night to replace the ladder truck's hydraulic pump using $4,000 from the town's contingency money, if the funds are there. Town Manager Laurie Smith did not immediately know, but said the balance may still be as high as $10,000.

The pump isn't the truck's only problem, however. Replacing it will mean the ladder can be lifted to allow a look at the other issue, involving the joy stick that controls the ladder.

It is not known how much the second repair would cost, officials said; the company that made the equipment has closed, so retrofitting may be needed.

Selectman Pam Dunning raised concern about firefighters' safety if the work is done, the truck goes back into use, and then there's a problem.

“I have grave concerns about this,” Dunning said. She was the lone dissenter in the board's vote to replace the pump.

The truck would not go back into service unless it was safe, Selectman Tim Merry said.

In addition, fixing the pump would make the truck more marketable if the town tries to sell it later, Merry said.

The pickup truck the public works department is getting will replace a 1999 Sierra, Road Commissioner Doug Fowler told selectmen. After trade-in, he expects to be able to get a used, newer pickup for $9,000 to $11,000.

The department's other trucks are all dump trucks with at least six wheels, Fowler said. There's enough money in the department's current budget to buy the pickup, he said.