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Nacogdoches council approves $950,000 purchase of replacement Type 1 fire engine
Summary
The Nacogdoches City Council unanimously authorized purchase of a 2026 Spartan S180 Type 1 fire apparatus for $950,000 to replace a 1997 unit, citing parts‑availability problems and NFPA guidance on lifecycle replacement; financing is from the adopted 2526 capital replacement budget with partial offsets from TFAS reimbursements.
The Nacogdoches City Council on Feb. 17 authorized the purchase of a 2026 Spartan S180 Type 1 fire engine for $950,000 to replace a 1997 reserve apparatus.
Mike Brown, the city’s fire chief, told the council the 1997 truck has reached the end of a practical service life and that “The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacement at 25 years for any apparatus.” He said parts availability for the older unit has become a recurring problem that affects response capability. A committee of department staff evaluated options and recommended the Spartan unit in part because it uses non‑proprietary parts, which Brown said will make repairs “faster and … cheaper.”
Brown said the purchase was included in the adopted 2526 capital replacement budget and that the city plans to use a cooperative (buy‑board) procurement and a lease‑to‑purchase arrangement to comply with state purchasing rules. He also said some of the up‑front cost will be offset by reimbursements the department receives when its teams deploy through the TFAS mutual‑aid program.
Council members asked about model timing and financing; Brown said the city had the good fortune to secure an apparatus already on the production line and that delivery could occur in about six weeks rather than the typical 1–2 year lead time. A councilmember moved to approve the purchase; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
The action authorizes staff to proceed with the purchase from Metro Fire Apparatus Specialist under the stated terms. The council did not specify further financing details during the meeting; Brown said the arrangement would be finalized with finance and the city manager.
The council’s vote completes the purchasing authorization; the department said it will arrange livery and fleet‑color adjustments before putting the apparatus into service.
