Council authorizes finance work for fire station, seeks updated truck and equipment quotes

The Marble Falls City Council voted to authorize its financial advisers to begin preparing bond financing documents and a reimbursement resolution to support a proposed new fire station and the purchase or repair of fire apparatus.

Mayor Torres opened the work session saying the city must plan responsibly for major capital needs and that the fire department “is not a prop” for political debate. Brad Green of Raymond James outlined two financing scenarios: a 20‑year level‑payment option (roughly $240,000 per year on the model shown) and a wrap‑around structure that lowers near‑term increases and smooths payments over 20 years. Green advised adopting fiscal policies before engaging rating agencies to improve the city’s credit profile.

The council then moved to let Raymond James start drafting a proposal and a reimbursement resolution that would allow the city to spend from reserves on immediate needs and reimburse itself when bonds close; the motion passed on roll call, with one member abstaining. Councilmembers said starting the financing work now keeps schedule flexibility while staff refines project scope.

Josh, speaking for the fire department, reviewed repair estimates for the department’s inoperable apparatus: about $5,000 for one older engine, roughly $10,000 for a second, and an uncertain $20,000 estimate to repair a transmission on a third vehicle. He also described an original vendor quote of roughly $720,000–$747,000 for a replacement Rosenbauer apparatus with a 60–90 day delivery window and said staff would seek an updated “ready‑to‑go” quote that includes hoses, air packs, thermal imagers and other equipment so a new truck could enter service immediately on arrival.

Council members approved a separate motion to sell two inoperable vehicles and use the proceeds to repair a third so the department would regain a functioning apparatus while procurement and financing proceed.

During public comment, Howard, president of District 5, urged swift investment in fire services and cited response‑time and Insurance Services Office (ISO) considerations, saying the community’s growth and current apparatus age make the upgrades urgent. Councilmembers debated whether to build a minimal $1.5 million shell now or invest in a larger, fully finished station (estimates discussed by members ranged from roughly $1.5 million to $2.5–$3 million for more complete facilities). Several members said the department should get the equipment and facilities it needs and asked staff to return with detailed, fully itemized costs.

Next steps: staff will request updated vendor quotes (full equipment lists and service‑ready pricing) and Raymond James will prepare financing documents and a proposed reimbursement resolution for the next council meeting; the council’s packet indicates officials plan to present an ordinance for final bond authorization at a subsequent meeting (the work session estimated a 6–8 week financing timeline if there are no major obstacles).