KENT, Conn.—The town will try a new method of meeting its vehicular needs in coming months.
At the Board of Selectmen meeting Wednesday, May 7, a plan to solicit private funds for acquisition of a dedicated truck for the fire marshal was approved.
The idea was presented by Fire Marshal Tim Limbos, who argued that he needs a town-owned vehicle to use when making inspections or investigating fire scenes.
First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer said he had checked with town counsel and determined that it is legal for a truck to be purchased with donated funds. “It might be a little hinky—but it’s not illegal,” he said.
The funds would be funneled into a special account for the vehicle’s acquisition and would not be part of the general fund.
Since taking office 16 months ago, Lindenmayer has expressed a desire to develop a motor pool of vehicles that town employees can use when on official business. The solicitation plan “would help us provide additional funding for the purchase,” he said, “but we would still need to put money in the capital plan to build up the motor pool.”
Donated money was received by the town for the streetscape, providing some precedence for the proposal. However, all three selectmen approached the idea with caution. Lindenmayer was reserved about the suggestion, while Selectman Lynn Mellis Worthington commented repeatedly that it has never been done before. Selectman Glenn Sanchez said it made him “uncomfortable.”
But Limbos told the board that he needs a dedicated vehicle to carry his equipment. “It comes down to a lot of things like carrying tools, and the chain of custody for materials involved in fire investigations,” he said. He added that a pickup truck would be preferable because he would not have equipment contaminated by toxins inside the vehicle’s cabin.
Discussion circled around how the vehicle would be used, how its use would be documented, what would happen to any funds collected in excess of the purchase price, and the appearance of preferential treatment for businesses that donate funds.
“We need stuff in writing about how the [motor pool] vehicles will be used,” said Worthington. “If we have more vehicles, we need a policy on their use,” agreed Lindenmayer.
Limbos said it would be beneficial if he could keep the vehicle at his home as he would then have all his tools at hand if he is called to a scene.
“I would use it for any inspection,” he said, “but it’s hard to say how may investigations there will be. There’s a lot of stuff going on.”
Donna Hayes, assistant land use administrator, inquired about who would do the solicitation and whether Limbos would approach people whose businesses he might later inspect. “Perception is huge,” she said. “I question if that’s the way you want to go.”
Limbos said that he understands the “element of concern,” but asserted that donations toward the vehicle would not affect his impartiality when making inspections.
“It’s the town endorsing this, not Tim,” said Lindemayer.
Worthington said it would be better if donations came from organizations rather than individual businesses, while Sanchez commented, “There’s a lot that goes with raising funds this way and I’m a little uncomfortable. Are we opening ourselves up to something we are okay with? We may see other [agencies] coming forward wanting to do something like this.”
Limbos said he sees it as “a one-time ask,” with future vehicles being purchased through the capital fund.
Worthington warmed to the idea, acknowledging that the need is now and not in the five years it would take for money to be amassed through the capital plan. She theorized that taking a special appropriation to taxpayers so soon after development of the 2025-26 budget “doesn’t bode well.”
“He can’t wait [five years,] she said. “We need to keep a tight hold on this, but allowing it to happen one time doesn’t mean everyone else gets to do it.”
In the end, the Selectmen approved the plan, capping donations at $50,000.
Limbos said he has been keeping his eye on the used vehicle market, and it was agreed that when sufficient funding is available for an appropriate truck, Lindenmayer could authorize an immediate purchase.
If the truck were to cost less than the amount in hand, the excess would be used for its maintenance.
