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Committee awards 2025 truck-body build to Universal despite slightly higher bid
Summary
After opening two sealed bids for the body build on a previously purchased chassis, the Public Works Committee approved awarding the work to Universal based on past performance, parts compatibility and fleet consistency; the committee recorded the motion and approved it by voice vote.
The Richland County Public Works Committee voted to award the 2025 truck-body build to Universal, accepting a bid slightly higher than a competing low bid because of vendor experience and fleet standardization considerations.
Highway Department staff reported they had purchased the chassis earlier this year (chassis cost cited as $165,001.57) and solicited body-build bids from three local vendors. Madison Truck Equipment did not bid; Monroe submitted a bid of $197,046 and Universal submitted a bid of $198,008.56. Staff noted the difference between the two submitted bids was $1,810. Staff recommended awarding the work to Universal based on long-standing relationship, prior product quality, and the county’s desire to limit additional parts inventory needs.
Committee member Steve Carroll moved to award the contract to Universal; Williams seconded the motion. After brief discussion in which staff reiterated quality and parts-inventory reasons, the committee approved the award by voice vote.
Staff also told the committee estimated body-build timelines place delivery late next year: Monroe provided an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2026, and Universal estimated 460 working days from receipt of chassis — both estimates mean the county should not expect the completed truck before the end of next year. No contract amounts beyond the sealed-bid prices were authorized at this meeting; staff will proceed to finalize the award and begin the body-build process.
