FORT DODGE, Iowa --
The newest fire truck in Fort Dodge is not being used because of a paperwork issue involving the Iowa Department of Transportation, the rig's manufacturer and the city, reported the Fort Dodge Messenger on Friday.
Fire Chief David Luers told the Messenger that the Department of Transportation has declined to issue a ''clear title'' for the $288,000 rescue pumper delivered in April. He said that without a clear title stating the city's ownership, there is a possibility the city's insurance may not cover the truck.
''We're parking it until the DOT and the manufacturer can get a clear title,'' Luers said Thursday. ''It's a battle between the manufacturer and the DOT.''
However, Dena Gray-Fisher, a spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Transportation, told the Messenger the city and the manufacturer, Toyne Inc., of Breda, must resolve the issue.
Although Toyne Inc. assembled the truck, its chassis, which is basically the cab and frame, was made by HME of Wyoming, Mich. That's the root of the problem, according to Gray-Fisher. She said Toyne Inc. is not a ''licensed franchised dealer'' of HME products.
The truck is now sitting idle in the firehouse at 1515 Central Ave. Firefighters have gone back to using one of their old trucks, reported the Messenger.
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