Section 52. The board of engineers shall have the care and superintendence of fire apparatus and related equipment, buildings, fixtures, and equipment and all pumps, reservoirs for water and apparatus owned by the town and used for extinguishing fires and shall cause the same to be kept in repair or renewed and shall make necessary alterations therein and additions thereto at an expense not exceeding $1,000 in any one year unless the town has authorized a larger appropriation.