Council approves purchase contract for 100‑ft aerial ladder truck through HGAC contract

The Tomball City Council on Aug. 25 approved an agreement to purchase a Pierce Custom Velocity 100‑foot mid‑mount aerial ladder truck through the Houston‑Galveston Area Council (HGAC) contract FS1213. The council voted 5–0 to authorize the contract with Citizens Martin Emergency Group (Simmons Martin Emergency Group named in staff presentation) for an amount not to exceed $2,684,698.

Fire Chief Joe explained that the purchase would be included in the FY2028–29 budget and that no funds would be expended until the city receives the vehicle in 2029. Council members said they had discussed the item in a workshop earlier that day and recognized it as a planned capital acquisition to maintain fire‑department capability; one council member noted the prior workshop’s detailed discussion.

The motion to approve the agreement and authorize the city manager to execute related documents passed 5–0. Staff characterized the item as a replacement/expansion of the fleet to maintain operational readiness for fire responses requiring aerial capability.