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Bryant is getting new fire truck |
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Tuesday, 25 November 2008 |
Bryant is getting a new fire truck.
The City Council on Monday night unanimously approved a contract between the city and the company HGAC to purchase a new pumper.
Fire Chief Randy Cox said the new truck will replace one that can no longer be used. He said HGAC’s bid will save the city $65,000.
The new truck is an E-One Typhoon rescue pumper.
The truck will cost about $330,000, Cox said, but grant money will cover much of the cost.
Cox explained that a 1972 model fire truck can no longer be used because of stipulations outlined in a $186,000 grant received from the Fire Act Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Because of the grant, the way it is written, the older truck cannot be utilized in any type of fire function anymore,” Cox said. “It has too many safety issues, which is why (FEMA) gave us the grant to replace the truck. The truck can now be utilized by the street or parks departments, but it cannot be utilized by any fire department.”
Cox also said HGAC is a purchasing cooperative that acts as a regional purchasing agent under the Texas Interlocal Cooperation Act for the purchase of goods and services. He said HGAC is recognized by state government.
“All goods and services have already been through the bid process within the state of Texas and are under contract pricing,” Cox said. “Also, this contract will allow us to get already pricing for items and supplies for other city departments such as water and sewer, police, streets and parks.”
Cox said the city has to match the $186,000 grant with $20,750. He said a Truck Committee was formed in October and it recommended the HGAC contract.
“To purchase the vehicle will require $143,250 from the truck fund, under the 3/8s budget,” Cox said. “This is a savings to our residents of an estimated $231,750 with the grant and HGAC pricing.”
The Truck Committee is requesting a purchase order of $330,000, Cox said. But the grant will cover most of that when the funds are received. City Finance Director Gary Hollis agreed that the city can add $143,250 to complete the purchase.
Cox said the fire truck is “high quality and safer than most fire trucks.”
It was not said when the truck might arrive.
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