Granbury to use $300,000 state grant toward volunteer fire rescue apparatus; council authorizes bids

Granbury City Council on Dec. 2 authorized the use of a $300,000 apparatus grant from the Texas Forest Service to purchase a new fire rescue vehicle for the Granbury Volunteer Fire Department and directed staff to seek competitive bids.

Deputy City Manager Michael Ross and Fire Chief Matt Mohon briefed the council that the grant allows the volunteer department to replace two aging units assigned to Station 3 and that the apparatus must meet Texas Forest Service specifications. Chief Mohon said the grant requires a new apparatus with specific minimums (staff cited a 1,000-gallon minimum tank, a 500 GPM pump minimum and a 3-inch discharge requirement) to ensure full ISO credit.

Council members pressed on lead times and costs. Staff said manufacturers slot vehicles into production and that partnering with the grant program can reduce lead times from the extended industry averages, with staff estimating production lead time reductions but noting actual delivery timing depends on manufacturer schedules and bid outcomes.

Council voted unanimously to authorize use of the grant, allow the city manager to execute necessary documents and direct staff to solicit competitive pricing. Staff and council members acknowledged the city will need to cover the difference between the $300,000 grant and the final apparatus price and that precise city cost depends on bid results and specifications.

Whathappens next: Staff will go to bid on a vehicle matching Texas Forest Service specifications and return with bid results and financing recommendations to council.