The Houston City Council will decide soon whether to purchase a $740,000 new fire truck as it begins deliberations for the 2019 budget.
The talks come as one truck is sidelined with mechanical issues, and the city said during a meeting on Monday it was unsure when a solution would be finalized soon. Earlier, the council authorized buying a computer that will aid in analyzing the problem. It also has an aerial truck and another vehicle that is rarely used.
Upon ordering the truck, manufacturing time is about eight months.
It was unclear how the council might fund the purchase. Financing is available through Landmark Bank and a fire truck manufacturing company.
Previously, councils have set aside money monthly or sought passage of a sales tax to help with repayment. The last ballot issue came in 2006 when an eighth-cent sales tax passage helped finance the purchase of a $650,000 truck. The levy expired 10 years later.
Councilwoman Viki Narancich said the purchase would likely come at the risk of affecting other city endeavors since the city has limited funds. One financial projection shows the monthly payment of a truck at about $7,400. Other members of the council said the purchase was a risk that the city needed to take to maintain its fire rating and provide adequate protection to residents.
Houston Mayor Don Tottingham told the council there has been some discussion about a Houston Fire District — combining city and rural departments — to provide better service, equipment and some full-time staffing. No feasibility study has been completed.