Council authorizes up to 50,000 for used fire truck purchase

The Houston City Council authorized Friday spending up to $250,000 for a used fire truck.

The unanimous action, in a special session, would allow the Houston Fire Department to purchase a truck that meets specifications required. 

“The council said that the safety of the citizens and their lives, homes and property is a paramount responsibility of the council,” said Tona Bowen, city administrator. 

The city will pay the purchase out of general fund reserves. It will pay the reserves back with 2.5 percent interest, which will cover what the city is losing on the interest by using the reserves, said Bowen.

Discussions started after one of the city’s two main trucks experienced mechanical issues. On Monday, the council heard that the city was awaiting delivery of computerized equipment to a Cabool repair business that will help diagnose the issue. In the meantime, the city’s fire department told members that it had found a used truck available for purchase for about $225,000. Earlier, a new truck was estimated to cost about $755,000.