FREEPORT — Borough council and the chief of the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department on Monday agreed to work together in assessing the department’s equipment needs.

Following a tumultuous dispute last month over the department buying a new fire engine without consulting the borough, councilmen said at their meeting they were receptive to discussing future equipment purchases.

Richard Hastings, council president, told Fire Chief Jeff Weaver the borough needs a course of action.

“I want you to work with us,” Hastings said. “Let’s come up with a plan.”

Weaver said he was willing to work with council, but stressed it’s difficult to predict when older equipment will break down.

The chief said the department cannot buy any more vehicles without help.

“We don’t have the money to do it,” he said.

Before Weaver agreed to work with the borough, council members emphasized the need to formalize funding requests.

“We have yet to see a capital purchase plan,” said Councilman Thomas Swisher.

Councilman Don Rehner agreed.

“I think we need it in writing,” Rehner said.

Weaver defended the department’s recent purchase of a $366,000 Spartan truck from 1st Out Specialty Vehicles in Moon Township, Allegheny County.

The department used a $500,000 donation to buy the fire engine.

Weaver said prior criticism of the purchase was unwarranted.

“I’m tired of getting criticized for it,” he said.

Weaver said the department could not afford to wait when the bequest was made due to its aging vehicles.

“We don’t have the luxury of bidding it out,” he said.

Weaver said the 1986 Mack fire truck alone cost the department $9,000 in repairs.

He cited public safety as the reason to buy new equipment.

“We didn’t do it to look good in the parade,” Weaver said.

He said the new fire engine is expected to be delivered by Nov. 30.