The action came during the council's annual Youth In Government Day. The day provides high school students in the city the opportunity to share a day with City Hall officials and learn about the operations of Florence government.  

After the meeting, students occupied the City Council seats at the City Hall auditorium and held a mock meeting, taking the roles of the mayor and council members.

Fire Chief Jeffrey Perkins said the ladder truck was a budgeted item. It will take 12 to 14 months to be completed because it is built to customized specifications.

The station was originally estimated to cost around $319 per square foot, but was reduced to about $267 square foot at the 30% design phase. The price has dropped even more with design completion, coming in at around $262 per square foot for building construction, giving the total project a price tag of just over $3 million. "Not only are we getting a fire station that meets our needs, but we're building this on a very prominent location in one of the gateway streets of our city and that will be quite a statement for the traffic passing by," City Manager Bill McDaniel said. "I think that, for the fire department, it's a very fitting addition that we have a nice display area for the antique fire engine. This design incorporates many of the modern features and needs of our fire department."

The Freightline brush truck can hold 1,522 gallons of water and has foam capability.

The department continues to make improvements to better serve the community.

“It’s a great day for Jim Wells County when as leaders of county commissioners court can purchase a firetruck and improve the safety and security of our citizens,” said County Judge Pete Trevino. “In doing so we’re able to take care of Orange Grove Volunteer Fire Department and Premont Fire Department. It’s the goal of commissioners court to continue to support our fire departments.”

The engine can carry 30 gallons of foam, 1000 gallons of water and has a cabinet for medical supplies.  

Lee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dennis Roland says SPLOST funds have helped enhance public safety and the resources given to the Fire and Emergency Services Department here in Lee County.

Three firefighters were responding to reports of high carbon monoxide levels on Lackey Street at 1:32 a.m. when the large tree fell on the truck, which was unoccupied, near 100 Upton Road, said Fire Chief Patrick Purcell. No one was injured in either incident.

“A windshield was smashed out,” he said. “The truck is not usable right now, but we’re trying to get it back in service.”

There was significant damage to the truck’s cab, Purcell said. Officials are estimating about $20,000 in damages.