Nacogdoches council approves $523,835 fire engine purchase and budget amendment to cover higher costs

The Nacogdoches City Council voted to buy a BME type 2 wildland fire engine from Simmons Martin Emergency Group for $523,835 and approved a companion budget amendment to accommodate higher equipment costs.

Fire Chief Mike Brown told the council the originally budgeted amount was $500,000 but the available unit that fit the department's needs was priced higher. "Long story short, there is another apparatus available that is being held. No cost, no harm, no foul," Brown said, noting the vehicle capital replacement fund currently holds roughly $884,000 to $885,000.

Council discussion touched on market conditions that have shortened lead times for off‑the‑shelf units while increasing price volatility. Brown told the council the market is "kind of a cutthroat market in the fire apparatus world right now," and said that delaying purchase risked losing the available unit to another buyer.

A council member moved to approve the purchase and the motion carried on a voice vote. The council then considered and approved a budget amendment ordinance to formally increase the appropriation for apparatus purchases so the department can complete the procurement.

The transcript records two numbers cited on the degree of the cost increase: Brown said at one point that the cost increase is $64,954; in later remarks staff referenced an increase above the budgeted amount of $23,835. Those differing figures were stated during the discussion and were not reconciled on the record.

The council did not record a roll‑call tally in the meeting minutes; all votes on these items were approved by voice vote ('Aye').

The city indicated staff will complete the procurement steps and implement the approved budget amendment to finalize the purchase.