By Vince Lennon
LaFayette, GA – There’s a change of plans in how Walker County will pay for a new replacement fire truck that was wrecked during a mechanic’s test drive earlier this summer.
In a specially called meeting Tuesday afternoon of the Walker County Board of Commissioners that lasted just six minutes, Chairwoman Angela Teems told the panel that her initial plan to buy the $1.5 million dollar replacement financed by the Bank of LaFayette, is against Georgia state law.
Teems said a review by the county attorney found that any long-term debt obligation over a calendar year would require a vote by citizens.
Teems suggested the best way to purchase the replacement ladder truck by their self-imposed September deadline would be to use available SPLOST funds.
With little debate, the motion passed unanimously.
Since the June 24th crash of the truck on Old LaFayette Road, Walker County officials fired both the mechanic in question and his supervisor, instituted a new vehicle policy for employees, and reviewed insurance coverage on all county-owned vehicles.
Teems said the previous administration tried saving money by cutting full insurance policies on vehicles and was only realized after the fire truck crash.
A Georgia State Patrol accident report found the driver, former mechanic John Pendergrass, was not properly licensed to drive the truck. Pendergrass blamed the overturn crash and fire on the vehicle’s anti-braking system.
Pendergrass’ supervisor, former fleet manager Ricky Carr, was terminated for the oversight.
The Walker County Board of Commissioners next scheduled meeting is set for September 7th.