Commission approves $6,500 to install fuel tank, buy fuel for Goshen Valley VFD

The Hawkins County Commission voted Monday to approve a one time $6,500 allocation to help the Goshen Valley VFD install a fuel storage tank at its station on the south side of the Goshen Valley Bridge.

When concerns about the stability of the Goshen Valley bridge, as well as its 10 ton weight limit, were raised in March, Goshen Valley VFD was informed by its insurance provider that it could no longer driver its large emergency equipment over the bridge.

Goshen Valley VFD officials told the Budget Committee last month that because their emergency equipment weighs as much as 25 tons, they now have to drive about 45 minutes out of their way to cross the Longs Bend Road bridge to get to a gas station to fill up their vehicles.

The funding approved by the commission will pay $5,000 for a fuel tank, as well as $1,500 to fill that tank one time after it is installed.

Commissioner Danny Alvis said he believes if the commission purchases a fuel tank for one VFD, it should buy a fuel tank for all VFDs.

Commissioner Robbie Palmer noted, “The only reason we’re buying a tank for them is they can’t cross the bridge.”

It was also suggested that the $1,500 fuel purchase be withdrawn.

Commissioner John Gibson noted, however, that when Goshen Valley VFD addressed the Budget Committee with this request, officials said they wouldn’t have enough money to fill the tank the first time.

Alvis noted that at after repairs are made to the bridge the weight limit could be increased. Mayor Mark DeWitte said it will be a while before the weight limit is increased.

Commissioner Josh Gilliam responded, “I think we need to deal with the facts that we have in front of us right now and do the fuel and the tank.”

The $6,500 allocation as proposed was approved by the full commission 11-1 with only Alvis voting no.