WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER ASSISTING WASHINGTON VFD WITH CHASSIS PURCHASE

  

Washington County Commissioners will hear a request on Wednesday from a local volunteer fire department to assist in the purchase of a new fire engine truck chassis.

The Washington Volunteer Fire Department is asking for $30,000 to help cover the cost of the truck chassis. 

Washington Volunteer Fire Chief Chris Casada said in a letter to County Judge John Durrenberger that the department has received a Texas Forestry grant that will cover up to 90 percent of the chassis cost.  The department has budgeted $130,000 for the buildout and completion of the truck, with that amount being in addition to the payment for the chassis.  The total estimated cost for the engine is $259,000. 

Casada said the 2024 International truck chassis will be outfitted with an engine box and 1500-gallon tank capacity, allowing it to be a dual-purpose engine and tender.

The fire department’s request comes after commissioners contributed to two other departments during their last meeting.  The court approved $30,000 to help the Burton Volunteer Fire Department purchase a new fire truck and $15,000 to assist the Gay Hill Volunteer Fire Department in buying a new brush truck.

Election items will also come up for consideration.  Commissioners will possibly act on designating the courthouse annex as the main early voting location, per Texas Election Code section 85.002.  There will also be a joint resolution between the county and the local Republican and Democratic Party chairs to conduct a joint primary election on March 5^th and, if necessary, a primary runoff election on May 28^th. 

In addition, the court will hear a slate of monthly reports and look to authorize the county judge, auditor and treasurer to make any needed budget amendments and line item transfers to close the county’s 2023 fiscal year.

Commissioners will meet Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse.