With the state of the economy municipalities don't have on extra cent to put towards things other than essential items. Go to your council meeting and state your case, tell them what you will pay and what you plan to do. Sit back and listen. I went through this with a 34 Firetruck years ago. It took a couple months but we got the truck and saved it from misuse and general rotting away from being ignored. Most small fire departments are all volunteer and the prospect of having a toy truck gets their blood flowing. Once the reality of the costs, time to restore and take care of the truck the interest for someone else to do it sets in. I'd stay away from it if they give any conditions to the purchase. A simple exchange of money for the title is in your best interest and if not, keep looking. The sea has many fish in it. Good Luck Don