Replacing fire trucks is high on Whitehall Township Commissioners President Linda Snyder's priority list.

Snyder raised her concerns during a review of the fire department's proposed budget for 2014. None of the fire trucks are currently scheduled to be replaced.

"I'm really concerned about not buying vehicles," Snyder said. "Something needs to be done. We shouldn't be putting things on a back burner. We need a plan."

Fire Chief Robert Benner and Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the fire department's equipment and vehicles are in good shape.

Fullerton is the only department with an aerial truck. West Catasauqua, Fullerton, Cementon, Egypt and Hokendauqua each have two fire trucks. A new fire truck can cost between $350,000 and $425,000, according to Hozza.

The last time the township purchased a fire truck was in 2008 for the Hokendauqua fire station. West Catasauqua and Egypt were next on the list to receive new trucks but then the economy took a dive. Before 2008, the township purchased a fire truck each year.

"We have to find a middle of the road," Hozza said. "We're not going back to the days of a truck a year."

Hozza said the administration is aware of the needs of the fire department. In the next couple years, a bond issue will be paid off, allowing the township to spend more money on firefighting equipment.

The fire department's 2014 budget which will be enacted by the commissioners this month, stands at $437,304, with more than $117,000 reserved for equipment, including portable radios.

Snyder said the mayor should invite the firefighters to a commissioners meeting so they can be commended for the job they do for residents.