SHERBURNE – Two new fire trucks could make their way to the Village of Sherburne sometime next year.

Volunteer Fire Chief Pat Lawrence, who will challenge Mayor William Acee in a race for mayor on March 16 (see sidebar), said a 20-year-old tanker, 27-year-old engine and 17-year-old rescue truck are in dire need of replacing. The tanker, in particular, is leaking.

Acee said the council had discussed replacing the three trucks with two vehicles in meetings conducted over the last few months. He said that he “remains cautious on any spending,” however, due to the state’s fiscal crisis and general economic conditions.

Village trustees voted to bond for the trucks on Monday. Prices aren’t to exceed $150,000 for a tanker and $450,000 for a combined rescue/ pumper engine. Acee said a combination of fire department reserve funds and possibly low interest loans would be used to afford the equipment.

An historic agreement for fire services between the village and the town calls for the town to purchase tanker trucks when needed, according to Lawrence. The town contracts annually with the village for fire and emergency services protection, and since the village has hydrants and doesn’t need tankers, the town has traditionally purchased them and given them to the village.

Town of Sherburne Supervisor William Craine could not be reached for comment before press time this morning.