North Augusta Puts $13M Toward Fire Safety With New Trucks and Station

North Augusta officials backed a $13 million push to boost fire safety. The plan splits $5.5 million for three fire trucks and $7.5 million for a new station by Exit 1.

The city needs two ladder trucks and a pumper to replace old gear. Their current aerial truck dates back to 1981. "For us to actually have to be dealing with 44-year-old equipment, there have just been areas or times where the city hasn't done a good job of planning," said Mayor Briton Williams to The Post and Courier.

Cash from Aiken County's penny sales tax will fund these changes. Voters backed the tax last November. While waiting for new trucks, the city has paid $145,000 for a used aerial truck from the Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville fire squad.

The city must wait until 2027 for its first tax funds.

"I hate the thought of spending $145,000 on a place-holder, but we're in that position because we haven't kept up with the equipment as we should have over the last couple of decades," said Councilman Kevin Toole.