NORWICH – The City of Norwich Common Council will apply for a low-interest loan to cover the cost of a new fire truck.

During a special meeting held Friday night, the group voted to pass a resolution authorizing the city to apply for a New York State Emergency Services Loan with an interest rate of approximately 2.5 percent. The loan would cover the purchase of a new fire truck for the department at a cost of approximately $280,000 to $300,000.

During the regularly scheduled meeting of the council on Tuesday night, city leaders spoke at length about the loan. Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey had asked about the possibility of applying for a FEMA grant to purchase the vehicle as opposed to the loan. However, since the probability of obtaining a FEMA grant for emergency vehicles was only 1 percent, many city officials felt applying for the loan would be a safer option.

Jeffrey suggested filing for both the grant and the loan concurrently. “We should look at that avenue (the grant) as well,” Jeffrey said.