Carefree approves purchase of dump truck and water truck to replace aging fleet

The Carefree Town Council approved Resolution 2025‑16 to authorize public‑works equipment purchases of a dump truck and a water truck, using a previously budgeted $250,000 line item for fleet replacement. A staff presenter described the existing fleet as aging, citing a 1997 Peterbilt haul truck that is inoperative. Staff said the town used a state cooperative purchasing contract (via Sanderson Ford/ADOT cooperative) to secure a new 2026 Ford F‑650 dump truck at a price below earlier expectations. With savings from that purchase, staff proposed also acquiring a dedicated water truck to replace the current portable water tank trailer. Staff said the Ford F‑650 does not require a commercial driver’s license for operators (unlike the Peterbilt), reducing training and licensing costs. The dedicated water truck will allow crews to apply dust control more efficiently during shoulder and road work, reduce crew downtime while waiting for refills, improve safety by enabling valve operation from the cab and could be deployed for limited emergency water support where hydrants are not immediately available. Council members asked about warranty and disposition of the old equipment. Staff said warranty terms are included in the cooperative contract and that the existing Peterbilt and portable tank would be disposed of through the town’s public auction process; residual salvage value is expected to be limited. The council approved the resolution unanimously. Ending: Staff will proceed with purchase through the cooperative contract and arrange disposition of the retired equipment; the vehicles will be integrated into public‑works operations to improve efficiency, safety and responsiveness.