The Montesano City Council agreed to two large purchases for the fire department during the council meeting on Dec. 12.

Fire Chief Corey Rux was authorized to purchase a “remount” for a faulty ambulance, and the Montesano Fire Department will buy a new fire engine.

Currently, one of Montesano’s ambulances, a 2014 TerraStar, has issues. Rux has described the vehicle as a lemon in the past. He had been in discussions with the manufacturer in hopes of receiving a replacement, but Rux said that line of communication has ended. He asked the city to approve a remount at the cost of $169,340. The new chassis will be a Freightliner.

The new fire engine will be purchased through Hughes Fire Equipment. The total cost is $495,437. Rux noted that amount is within budget as the department had initially budgeted for $500,000.

Both purchases are made possible by a fire levy lid lift approved by voters early this year.

Rux said he plans to travel to personally transport each vehicle for a cost-savings to the city.