Utilities Board approves $1.5M vehicle purchases including excavator and pickup trucks

July 15, 2025 | Pender County, North Carolina

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Utilities Board approves $1.5M vehicle purchases including excavator and pickup trucks

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

During the July 14, 2025, Board of County Commissioners meeting in Pender County, significant discussions centered around the approval of several vehicle purchases aimed at enhancing the county's maintenance and utility operations.

One of the key items was the proposed purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet 6,500 specialized mechanic body vehicle, equipped with a heavy-duty crane, for the newly established centralized maintenance division. Originally budgeted at $200,000, the vehicle was found locally in Wendell, North Carolina, for $185,000, resulting in a savings of $14,811. However, the motion for approval did not pass, as it failed to receive the necessary votes.

Another important discussion involved the approval of a 2024 Ford F-150 truck, intended to replace an existing crane truck being reallocated to the maintenance division. This vehicle was budgeted at $48,000 but was available for $42,663.94, yielding a savings of $5,336. Despite the need for this vehicle to support utility operations, the motion also did not receive a second, preventing it from moving forward.

The board also considered the purchase of a Kubota KX 80 excavator, which is crucial for improving the county's response to water main breaks. This equipment will allow county workers to dig deeper and respond more quickly to emergencies, reducing reliance on contractors. The motion for this purchase was approved, reflecting the board's commitment to enhancing local utility services.

Additionally, the board discussed the acquisition of three 2024 Dodge Ram 2,500 diesel trucks. These vehicles are intended to replace older models and support new positions within the utilities department. The trucks were secured at a competitive price from Westgate Chevrolet, which also includes two years of maintenance services, further benefiting the county's budget.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and improve operational efficiency, despite some setbacks in securing approval for certain vehicles. The decisions made will have a direct impact on the county's ability to provide timely and effective services to residents, particularly in utility management and maintenance operations.

Converted from July 14, 2025 Board of County Commissioners Meeting meeting on July 15, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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