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Nassau Bay moves to replace aging Engine 81, authorizes purchase order for new pumper
Summary
Council authorized a purchase order for a new Pierce Velocity pumper (2,000 GPM, 750 gallons) with an estimated cost of roughly $1.4–$1.49 million and a 29–32 month delivery timeline; staff discussed financing and storage modifications.
The Nassau Bay City Council voted on Jan. 12 to authorize a purchase order for a replacement pumper for Engine 81, a 2009 Pierce Quantum apparatus approaching the end of its service life.
Fire department staff presented specifications for a Pierce Velocity pumper with a 2,000‑gallon per minute pump, a 750‑gallon water tank and seating for six. The procurement estimate discussed in the meeting ranged from about $1.4 million to $1.49 million. Staff and the vendor told council that current lead times are long — roughly 29–32 months — so ordering now would lock in price and place the apparatus in the delivery queue.
Council members asked about storage and whether the department would need to modify the fire station. Staff said they plan to add an enclosed stall at the back of the bay to retain credit for pump capacity and keep an older engine in reserve for ISO scoring. Construction of an enclosed storage area was presented as part of the preparation to house the new truck.
City officials also discussed financing. Staff noted the certificate of obligation (CO) mechanism had historically been used for such capital purchases but warned that pending state legislation may narrow permissible CO uses. Council and staff described a financing plan that anticipates using available CO authority before any legislative limits take effect and coordinating with legal counsel and the Texas Municipal League as needed.
A council member moved to authorize issuance of a purchase order for the pumper truck. The motion was seconded and recorded as passed.
Next steps: staff will issue the purchase order, finalize the financing plan with the finance department, and return to council with timeline updates and any necessary construction or storage approvals.
