Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire chief requests $20,000 for 3/4-ton truck to improve brush-fire response
Summary
Houston County fire chief asked commissioners for $20,000 to buy a 3/4-ton truck to improve brush-fire and winter response, noting roughly 29 brush fires last year and limited funding from vehicle sales and a possible private loan; commissioners questioned whether the full amount is required.
The fire chief requested the commission appropriate $20,000 to purchase a 3/4-ton truck that can be used for brush-fire response and winter operations. The chief told the commission that the department responded to around 29 brush fires last year and that access issues make a smaller, more versatile vehicle important.
The chief said he has $13,577 available from the sale of a TVA truck and an old rescue truck and that a private lender has offered $10,000, but he maintained that $20,000 is needed given current prices. "I've been looking around... even used trucks... they're expensive," he said, noting that prepared vehicles listed online were being priced in the low-to-mid $20,000 range.
Commissioners pressed on available funds and whether the full $20,000 was required; one commissioner observed that with sale proceeds and a private loan the department might not need the full appropriation, but the chief responded that market prices and equipment needs justify the request.
No formal vote or final appropriation was recorded in the transcript; the item was discussed and left for further consideration.
