Talco VFD to get new fire truck

By LOU ANTONELLI
Editor-in-Chief

MOUNT PLEASANT - The Talco Volunteer Fire Department is getting a new brush truck, thanks to Titus County Commissioners.

The Commissioners’ Court, meeting in Mount Pleasant Monday morning, approved the purchase of a cab and chassis from the Elliott Auto Group of Mount Pleasant for $33,015.

Judge Brian Lee noted the county has been purchasing the trucks for the county’s volunteer fire departments one at a time each year, “and this year it is Talco’s turn.”

Last year the county purchased a truck for the Sugar Hill VFD.

Lee commended Commissioner Dana Applewhite for finding the truck at such a good price.

The county first investigated the State BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative, said Lee, which is supposed to offer the lowest prices on products because of bulk buying.

Commissioner Applewhite investigated whether the sale could go to a local dealer, and got a price lower than the BuyBoard’s from Elliott.

Applewhite said he felt it is the better deal and urged his colleagues to accept the offer. The motion passed unanimously.

The purchase will be structured so the money comes out of the 2018-109 fiscal year budget, said Lee, which starts Oct. 1.

After the Talco VFD receives the truck they can transfer the body and outfit as they see fit, said Lee.