Spring Hill officials, volunteers seek roughly $65,000 to restore 1957 Fire Bell engine; board signals initial support

Community volunteers and the fire department asked the board for help restoring the 1957 Fire Bell engine at the Spring Hill work session on April 6.

Chief Temple and volunteer representatives explained the engine’s exterior restoration is complete but the drivetrain and brakes need replacement. Staff presented estimates that the total repair will be in the mid‑$60,000 range (the transcript includes references to $65,000). Fundraising to date stands at about $3,500. Staff requested an initial city contribution—$10,000 from the tourism fund—to leverage community fundraising; board members discussed whether to pledge a larger upfront amount (one comment floated $25,000) and debated whether a deposit would be required to begin work.

Council members asked about vendor vetting, storage and timeline. Chief Temple said the engine is temporarily housed offsite and that vendor vetting identified a vendor capable of a full engine replacement with an automatic transmission, disc brakes and an expected 4–6 month completion timeline once work begins. Several board members and two aldermen offered immediate personal donations from the dais (one offer of $1,000 and another of $500 were recorded). Mayor and board members expressed support for partnering with the historic commission and suggested city staff develop an approach that pairs a modest city contribution with active community fundraising. No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; staff said they would proceed with fundraising plans and return with details if additional city funding become necessary.