Commissioners approve $200,000 to buy brush truck for Orange Grove VFD; county to be reimbursed by state grant

The Jim Wells County Commissioners Court approved March 27 a $200,000 payment to allow the Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department to acquire a large brush truck. County staff said the purchase will be reimbursed in full once the department submits required invoices and the Texas A&M Forest Service inspects the apparatus under the awarded reimbursement grant.

Chief McFadder and David Gbert of Orange Grove explained the grant process: "The Forest Service awards these grants…but it is a reimbursement style grant, which means we have to bear the full cost upfront, submit for reimbursement, and then we'll get our check issued back from the state of Texas," Gbert said. He estimated typical apparatus build time at 12–14 months but said some builders may finish sooner depending on supply chains.

Officials told the court the grant award to the volunteer department was $265,000 and the apparatus cost is $300,000; the department intends to secure remaining funds from the city of Orange Grove and other local sources. Commissioners approved the motion to provide the county‑fronted $200,000 with the understanding the funds will be reimbursed when the grant reimbursement is processed.