Madison County purchasing $1.4M fire truck, considers adding Canton fire district

Madison County will purchase a new platform ladder fire truck for $1,431,764.71, and the county will hold a June 30 public hearing to discuss the formation of a new fire district in Canton in part to serve a Madison County Megasite that will house an Amazon distribution facility and other buildings.

The action came during Monday’s regular meeting of the Madison County Board of Supervisors when Madison County Fire Coordinator Minor Norman presented plans for their new fire truck.

After taking bids from vendors for high-quality affordable fire trucks, the county’s bid was awarded to Bonaventure Company Inc. Norman described the fire truck model as “a very impressive ladder truck” that he was able to inspect in person. The fire truck includes a 500-gallon water tank and ladder. 

“We needed this new fire truck to cover the new Amazon building and match its magnitude,” said Assistant Fire Coordinator Mack Pigg on the purchase. The fire truck will arrive in August, according to Karl Banks, president of the Madison County Board of Supervisors.

Banks said the purchase will be paid for in party through financial mechanism within the legislature and the Board of Supervisors will figure out the rest. 

Also at the board of supervisors meeting, Norman requested that a public hearing be scheduled on June 30 on the topic of a new fire district in Canton. The public hearing will discuss the district’s development and answer residents’ questions.

“We want the public to be involved,” Pigg said.  

As part of getting the public involved, county fire services members have gone door-to-door to get a minimum of 25 residents signing in support of the district, Norman said. By randomly knocking on doors to take opinions, the county was able to reach 61 residents who signed in the district’s favor. Those signatures were submitted as part of the establishment process. 

“A new fire district will lower property fire insurance and improve quality of life with better coverage,” Pigg said. The fire district will also provide protection for the Amazon Megasite, an incoming source of industry for the county, Banks said. 

“We tried to create countywide fire protection,” Banks said. “We want to get rid of every hole in the map. The fire district will cover a 5-mile radius going out from Canton’s city limits like a horseshoe.”

The public hearing will be held in the Madison County’s board room at 9 a.m. June 30.