Whether obtaining a second opinion or multiple estimates, it is generally a good idea to get more than one proposal when considering issues, major purchases, or repairs, especially if you are a public entity on an ever-tightening budget.
In need of EKG upgrades and new equipment to replace aging units no longer serviceable, the Jackson Township Fire Department sent out a request for bids and received a wide scope of proposals in return. Ranging from $73,000 – with the manufacturer now serving the township – to $116,000 from the highest bidder, Asst. Fire Chief Rick Dawson suggested staying with Medtronics.
"Some of the equipment is obsolete," reported Dawson during the township trustees’ Sept. 4 meeting. "It is so old, they no longer service it. This would standardize equipment across all three stations. It’ll upgrade our patient care.
"We demoed all of the equipment and sampled it. Overwhelmingly, people wanted to stay with the same company. Every department but one around the area uses this equipment. The money was already approved for upgrades and replacements."
Chairman David Burris added the proposal from Medtronics was a lot cheaper than what officials previously estimated.
In other discussion, Fire Chief Lloyd Sheets said Fire Prevention Week for all elementary schools starts Oct. 3 and Jackson Township received $11,000 in grants and donations from community businesses for training and supplies for grades Pre-K through fifth. During regular action, the trustees also approved a $3,500 resolution in support of the operation of Safety Town, held in conjunction with the local firefighter’s association and the Grove City Police Department.
"It’s a great program," Burris told fellow trustees. "My grandson just graduated (from Safety Town). The last Burris in there was my daughter more than 20 years ago."
The Road Department is spraying twice a week for mosquito control due to the increased threat of the West Nile Virus, which was found in 29 locations in Franklin County. The cost for each fogging is approximately $400 for eight gallons of pesticide and $75 in overtime for employees. Department workers will also be assisting with the placement of memorial boulder; a one-ton rock was carved and donated, at the Salem Cemetery.
