You have to look closely at the Carbondale fire truck to see the ad. It's on the front bumper; a six-by-six sticker advertising a Carbondale business. It will remain on the fire truck for a year at a cost of $250.
Publicity, advertisement. (It) gives the town a little more depth," said business owner Joey Puglisi. The reaction to the plan has been mixed. Debbie Burns believes emergency vehicles should not be billboards. "I think they should stay the way they are. They can find different ways to make fundraisers and make money," she said.
The mayor said the city is in debt and he'd like to raise about $15,000 a year with the ads. "We're facing some deficits and need for upgrade in equipment. So we saw the vehicle-advertising program as a good way to raise revenue for the city," said Mayor Justin Taylor.
The advertisements won't be limited to Carbondale's fire trucks. They'll be available on all city vehicles, including police cars. For some advertisers, it's not all about money, but about supporting the community.
Quality Perforating, which punctures metal, is the first business to come forward. "(I) thought it'd be a good thing to do. As far as getting anything out of advertising in Carbondale, it's not going to happen. It's just nice to let them know we're behind the mayor and will help (the city) in any way," said James Bradley of Quality Perforating.
Bigger ad space is available at a higher cost. The city promises its vehicles will not look like race cars.
