MOHAWK, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Village of Mohawk Fire Chief says for two years the department has been wanting to purchase a new truck. Last month, the department was close to making a purchase, but some village residents opposed it, forcing a public vote on the matter.

Mohawk Fire Chief Chris Edick says there are 879 buildings in the village. However, he says half those buildings are too large for their current trucks to reach in case of a fire. The department had bids out for a new truck last month, before concerned residents stepped in. 

Chris Jackson is one of those residents, and part of the "Committee for Open Government." Jackson says the near purchase of a new truck last month was "slid in through the back door." Some questions she, and her group have is not just the cost of the new truck, but other options.

One of those options posed would be contracting with the Village of Ilion to use their large ladder truck. Jackson says the taxpayers of the village can not afford another increase, but the chief says the department can not afford to be left without proper equipment.

"A lot of people have the feeling that we're against the firemen, the volunteers. A lot of people say 'well you don't like the volunteers you don't think they do their job.' That's not it, the bottom line is were being hit so hard in the pocket book, Jackson said.

"I know it comes at an unfortunate time for taxpayers, but it is the job of the fire chief, that's me, who is ultimately responsible for all the firefighters and all the citizens of this village and the fire department has a need," Edick said.

Right now there are 3 trucks in the Village of Mohawk's fire house, two of which belong to the village. If the vote passes and the department can buy a new one, one of the old trucks would be sold to help off set costs.

The vote will go up to the taxpayers next Tuesday the 16th. You must be a registered Village of Mohawk resident to vote. You will be voting to approve the Village Board to allow for the future bonding of a new truck.

The department has not picked out a truck, they are awaiting to see if the vote passes before looking into the purchase of a new one.