Troy Firefighters will be getting new air packs to replace current equipment that is 15 years old.

“We’re three standards behind on these air packs,” said Capt. Curtis Shaver.

The Troy City Council Tuesday unanimously approved the purchase of 12 new packs for a total of $93,576.

Eight of the air packs are being replaced and four more are being brought because of the third fire station. The equipment is what firefighters use to breathe when entering a smoke-filled building.

Shaver said the price tag may seem hefty now, but said the purchase will save money on maintenance as these new packs are warrantied for life. The department was spending about $10,000 a year maintaining packs, Shaver said.

The purchase was not planned in the budget though, said Mayor Jason Reeves, so the council also had to approve a budget amendment to cover the cost.

“We can’t squeeze the sponge enough to cover this, so we’ll either have to transfer money or bring in more revenue than expected,” Reeves said.

The council unanimously approved the budget amendment to accommodate the air pack purchase.

Shaver said the reason such a large amount is being spent at once is because the old packs were purchased simultaneously with a grant, which meant they were all up for replacement at the same time.

Reeves said the Fire Department needs to make the move before an Insurance Service Office (ISO) inspection as the department chases an elusive Class 2 ISO rating. The department is currently at a Class 3 and officials hope that the number will drop based on the addition of the third fire station since the last inspection.

The lower rating often correlates with lower homeowner’s insurance rates in the area based on the level of fire safety provided.

In other business, the council:

• Declared surplus items from across departments.

• Reviewed an audit of the FYE2017 budget.

• Heard form Tamara Williams of Daughters Lives Matter about the upcoming “Cover me, daddy” event to be held April 21.

• Heard from Reeves about an upcoming project to renovate the Academy Street High School.

The Troy City Council will meet again on Tuesday, April 10 at City Hall. The executive committee will meet upstairs at 4 p.m. and the council will meet in the City Council Chambers at 5 p.m.