LIVERMORE FALLS — In the wake of the Livermore Falls fire station closure because of structural deficiencies, the relocation of the town’s firetrucks has residents concerned about the community’s safety.

Resident Robert Jones said at Tuesday’s selectmen meeting that it was a mistake to move the ladder truck into a private garage in East Livermore because it was a considerable distance from most of the town’s buildings.

“The public has the right to know the details of the move,” he said.

Town Manager Kristal Flagg said the ladder truck will stay at the Fire Department until the end of the month.

Resident Peter Castonguay is setting up his garage in East Livermore with a door opener and heating system where the truck will be stored. The town will have to pay for electricity and fuel there.

“We’re still working on the details of the rent,” Flagg said.

She said the town won’t have to pay for the garage setup costs.

However, Jones took issue, stating that it would cost the town to pay for the heat, electricity, snowplowing and maintenance associated with storing the truck.

“As far as the existing fire station, I think it’s a travesty to shut down that fire station and drain the pipes and let that building continue to deteriorate,” he said. “It’s the best location — where it is now.”

Jones disagreed with having a new fire station built elsewhere, an option selectmen reviewed at a meeting last week. He pointed out that the engineering report wasn’t specific enough in identifying the problems with the existing structure.

Board of Selectmen Chairwoman Louise Chabot said there will be a public hearing later for residents to discuss both options and have the engineering firm present to answer questions.

Jones said the area’s economy was bad and didn’t think voters would agree to construct a new fire station.

“The sooner we can get into that building and fix it, the better off we’re all going to be,” resident Tim Fournier said.

Other residents asked why there was only one truck being stored near the downtown area, and wondered why two trucks couldn’t fit in the highway garage.

Chabot said there simply wasn’t enough space for two firetrucks and highway equipment there, and plow trucks needed to be housed inside to be ready for snowstorms.

The town was forced to move trucks and equipment out of the fire station because the insurance company wouldn’t cover it because of structural problems.

Resident Gary Knight asked about the town’s status with the insurance company, and if the town had to go through the Maine Municipal Association for insurance.

“We get a better rate because we’re in with other municipalities,” Chabot said.

Flagg pointed out that most towns in the state have insurance through MMA. The town gets a break on its workers’ compensation and liability rates because it’s part of a pool, she said.

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“As far as the existing fire station, I think it’s a travesty to shut down that fire station and drain the pipes and let that building continue to deteriorate.” — Livermore Falls resident Robert Jones