The new apparatus is a Pierce fire truck purchased from Siddons Martin Emergency Group to replace the 2008 model Fire Engine 2, at the North Athens Fire Station on Texas 19. The bid proposal for the truck and the equipment required to get it ready for service totaled more than $828,349.  

Fire Engine 2 has been down for repairs and also failed the required annual pump certification test. The council had already budgeted for the new fire engine. The Pierce truck will be financed by U.S. Bankcorp Government Leasing and Finance, for a 10-year period at 2.97 percent interest.

The new location, if approved by the council, will come with the purchase and remodeling of the former Apria Healthcare building at 500 W. Jaycee Ave.  

City Administrator Steve Miller said the net value of the property will be about $800,000, compared to construction of a new station, at an estimated $2 to $3 million.

The purchase of the building will cost the city $405,000. He said remodeling the Jaycee Avenue building has been estimated to cost about $600,000.