Aransas Pass council approves budget amendment to buy fire equipment, replace hydrants and pay Olson contract

The Aransas Pass City Council approved an ordinance May 5 amending the fiscal‑year 2025 budget to fund several public‑safety and infrastructure items using accrued interest from the 2024 certificates of obligation and a supplemental draw on bond proceeds.

Key figures: staff recommended purchasing an engine truck ($960,000), a brush truck ($265,000), seven sets of structural bunker gear and 24 sets of wildland gear (recommended bunker gear total $57,036.10), and replacing four fire hydrants ($11,104). Staff also recommended paying Olson $110,000. Council staff said the items together totaled “just over $1.4 million.” The city reported accrued interest of $908,981.81 for April; to fully fund the recommended purchases the city would draw approximately $494,000 from bond proceeds.

Why it matters: the purchases fund immediate equipment and safety needs for the fire department and fund limited system repairs. Council members raised procedural questions about timing and whether approval should wait for the newly seated council; others said delaying would postpone necessary safety investments.

Discussion highlights: one councilmember moved to table the amendment until the new council was sworn in; that motion was seconded but did not carry. After debate, a motion to adopt an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2025 budget passed by voice vote.

Vote and outcome: the council approved the ordinance to amend the FY2025 budget and authorize the purchases as presented. Staff said more accrued interest is expected in the coming months, which may reduce the amount of bond proceeds needed.

Implementation: staff indicated the city will proceed with the vehicle purchases, bunker gear order, hydrant replacements and the Olson payment as budgeted. The council did not adopt any additional conditions tying purchases to further reporting at this meeting.