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Commission approves lease financing for four new dump trucks to replace aging fleet
Summary
Facing multiple breakdowns during a recent snowstorm, commissioners approved a six‑year lease for four single‑axle dump trucks (with plows and spreaders) to replace 1990s vehicles. The annual payment is approximately $153,398; funding will come from street, water and wastewater budgets.
The Fort Scott City Commission approved a lease‑purchase for four new single‑axle dump trucks, voting to accept a six‑year financing option with an annual payment of $153,397.60.
Public works staff explained the move followed a string of breakdowns during a recent snow event that left crews with only one working truck at one point. Tom (public works operations) told commissioners two older trucks have cracked frames and parts are no longer available for the 1993 models; staff tried buying used units but found them in worse condition than the existing fleet.
Tom explained the favored package includes a chassis and a fully outfitted plow and spreader; the selected specification calls for a roughly 10‑foot municipal plow suitable for navigating narrower neighborhood streets. Staff framed the lease as an operational necessity to maintain winter service levels and to enable future in‑house paving work with additional equipment once older trucks are retired. The plan is to retire or sell the old trucks for scrap where possible.
Finance staff recommended the six‑year term to lower annual payments and preserve budget flexibility. Commissioners approved the lease by roll call vote and instructed staff to fund purchases from a mix of wastewater, water and street budgets as discussed.
The trucks will come with factory warranties; staff said some routine maintenance and diagnostics work can be handled in‑house, reducing downtime. The procurement included vendor quotes and sourcewell pricing; staff will return with delivery and warranty details.
