NEW SALEM — Residents will head to the ballot box next week to vote on a debt-exclusion override for a new Fire Department pumper truck following the measure’s approval at annual Town Meeting in July.

Voters gave their blessing to a $616,000 appropriation for the truck, with $150,000 to be transferred from the Vehicle Capital Stabilization Account and the remaining $466,000 to be borrowed. A simple majority through a Proposition 2½ vote at the Aug. 29 special election is the final step to approve the borrowing.

Fire Chief Joe Cueno said a new truck comes with a 15- to 25-year life expectancy, whereas the current primary response pumper truck is 37 years old and in dire need of replacement.

“We’re just having a lot of trouble with it,” he said, elaborating that his first piece of apparatus out the door has failed to start twice in as many weeks. “That’s obviously a real problem. That’s clearly an emergency situation for us.”

Cuneo explained these events resulted in separate appointments with a repair technician. He mentioned the truck was purchased used in 2006 and he does not yet know what will happen to it.

Cuneo, who has been chief in New Salem since 2008 and in Wendell since 2014, said he has his sights on a truck at Greenwood Emergency Vehicles in North Attleboro. He said it is a dealership demo and costs less money than a brand-new vehicle.

The chief said his towns have typically been extremely supportive of his departments’ needs and he hopes that trend will continue next week.

Polls will be open at 24 South Main St. from 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.