Trustees approve $222,949 in truck and salt-equipment purchases; supplemental $23,000 appropriation passed

Morgan Township trustees on Aug. 11 approved two purchase orders to replace a 25-year-old dump truck and buy a new salt-truck body and accessories, and they approved a supplemental budget appropriation to cover the difference between the purchase price and the township’s budgeted funds. The trustees approved a purchase order to Rush Truck Centers for $106,085.16 from Fund 1000 for contract number 023A-26 to buy a 2026 International HV507 truck, and a purchase order to W.A. Jones Truck Bodies & Equipment for $116,864 from Fund 1000 for contract number 062222-AEB to purchase the truck body and salt-spreading equipment. The two purchases total $222,949; the township had $200,000 budgeted and approved a supplemental appropriation of $23,000 for 2025 to cover the remainder. A township representative said the truck chassis is ordered through the state contract and the body and plow equipment are procured through a Sourcewell contract; delivery of the fully equipped vehicle is expected in late winter or early spring. Officials noted that road equipment lead times are longer for bodies and specialized salt-spreading equipment. On resale of the existing vehicle, staff estimated potential proceeds of roughly $10,000–$25,000 depending on market interest; the township will list the old vehicle for sale after receiving the new unit. Trustees voted unanimously to approve both purchase orders and the supplemental appropriation. No amendments to the purchase contracts were reported at the meeting; motions to approve the POs were made and seconded on the record and the clerk recorded affirmative votes from Trustee Brucker, Trustee Cole and Trustee Huff.