Freestone County Commissioners Court approved a plan to purchase four new firetrucks in coming budget years at its Feb. 19 meeting.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Lloyd Lane proposed to the court that the firetrucks be ordered now at a target price each of $480,000 after options are added because prices are expected to increase due to inflation and demand. The measure passed unanimously after Lane noted that anticipated U.S. tariffs on imported goods like steel and aluminum and new emissions standards could also increase prices.
“Let’s get our name on those vehicles,” County Judge Linda Grant agreed.
The purchases will be for a rescue truck for the fire department in Wortham and three tank bumper trucks for the departments in Dew, Teague and Streetman.
Prior to the court approving the purchase, Streetman firefighter John Sutton urged the creation of a plan to set up an “aging apparatus replacement system” because the lives of firefighters are at stake. “You need reliable equipment,” he said.
In other action, the court:
• Tabled consideration of an agreement with the City of Oakwood to provide patrol service to county roads near the city until more information can be obtained about liability. The commissioners tied on the vote, and Judge Grant opted not to break the tie until she received the information.
• Donated an old, inoperable four-decade old fire truck in storage to the Teague Rescue Team that will be used for training purposes.
• Amended special road use agreements with Comstock Resources Inc. to remove fines for road damage because the document provides for a $1 million bond that provides for road repairs.
• Left the burn ban in place.
• Approved bonds and education certificates for county officials and employees.
• Created reinvestment zones allowing for tax abatements for Piedra Solar and OCI Energy.
• Approved a tax abatement agreement for Avant Prairie ESS.
• Approved a notice of election for the May 3 municipal and school board elections that excludes City of Teague and Teague Independent School District because none of their races are contested.
• Approved the purchase of five pollbooks for the Elections Office and approved the spending of $17,000 by the office.
