JACKSON — The Jackson Volunteer Rescue Squad is getting a little help from Northampton County.

At their meeting on Monday, the Northampton County Board of Commissioners approved a $5,000 interest free three-year loan to the rescue squad.

According to County Manager Wayne Jenkins, who brought the decision before the board, the JVRS uses a 1996 Model 1500 Chevrolet rescue truck in its deliverance of rescue services to Jackson and the county. The truck has a blown engine requiring the engine to be rebuilt at a cost of $10,099.78.

“The Rescue Squad does not have the funds needed to pay for this major repair,” said Jenkins. “The town of Jackson has contributed $5,000 to help get the unit repaired and back in service.”

A proposal of a $5,000 interest free three-year loan was placed before the board. Annual repayments to the county will be $2,000 for two years and $1,000 for final payment in the third year.

Jenkins noted that the county appropriates $3,500 annually to all four volunteer rescue squads in Northampton.

“The proposal is to reduce the Jackson Rescue Squad’s annual appropriation by $2,000 for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 and $1,000 for fiscal year 2013 for the full repayment of the $5,000,” he said.

The $5,000 loan will come from the county’s general fund contingency line item.

“It is critical to us to help them keep those vehicles on the road,” said Jenkins.

Commission Vice Chair James Hester offered a motion to approve the loan; it was seconded by Commissioner Robert Carter. The motion passed in a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Virginia Spruill was absent from the meeting.