WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS ASSIST WASHINGTON VFD WITH PURCHASE OF TRUCK CHASSIS

  

The Washington Volunteer Fire Department will receive assistance from the county in purchasing a new fire engine truck chassis.

County commissioners today (Wednesday) agreed to contribute $30,000 toward the truck chassis, which is primarily being funded through a Texas Forestry grant that covers up to 90 percent of the chassis cost.

Washington Volunteer Fire Chief Chris Casada said this process has taken eight years in total, including five for the grant and three on waiting for the chassis.  He said it has been a long time coming.

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 and required aftermarket expenses is $259,000.

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.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath thanked Casada and the fire department for going out for state grant funding, saying that while the grant process can be arduous, it is much appreciated by the commissioners court and constituents. 

Last week, the court assisted two other local fire departments, approving $30,000 to help the Burton Volunteer Fire Department purchase a new fire truck and $15,000 for the Gay Hill Volunteer Fire Department to buy a new brush truck.

Also during today’s meeting, commissioners heard several monthly reports.  During the sheriff’s office report, Operations Captain Eddie Ocanas mentioned that the jail is fully staffed as of this morning, but the patrol division is still down five positions. 

Elections Administrator Carol Jackson provided a reminder that voter registration renewal certificates are being mailed out.  Anyone who does receive one can call the Elections Office at 979-277-6264 to check on the status of their certificate or voter registration.

In other business, the court:

• Designated the courthouse annex as the main early voting location, per Texas Election Code section 85.002.  Assistant County Attorney Kacie Murphy said because the county courthouse does not have space for early voting, the county must designate a space that is as close to the office of Elections Administrator Carol Jackson as possible.
• Approved 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.
• Authorized the county judge, auditor and treasurer to make any needed budget amendments and line item transfers to close the county’s 2023 fiscal year.