Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fleet Repairs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council told of repair estimates for two sanitation trucks; one needs a turbo replacement, another may need a new motor
Summary
City staff shared estimates for repairs to two sanitation trucks: a 2018 front-end loader with an estimated $10,296 turbo-related repair and a second truck that may require a motor replacement starting at about $54,000. Councilors were asked whether to act immediately or place the item on a future agenda.
City staff told the Helena City Council that two older sanitation trucks currently out of service in Memphis need significant repairs and presented cost estimates during the Jan. 28 meeting.
Will Estrada, identified in the meeting as the city’s mechanic and assistant in sanitation, sent a repair estimate from Tri State Truck Center for a 2018 Mack front-end loader with 9,441 hours and about 70,000 miles. The estimate listed a required turbo replacement and associated charge-air-cooler removal and cleaning at $10,296, with additional diagnostics recommended for related engine faults. Staff said the unit is currently in Memphis and idle pending a decision.
A second older truck was described as likely needing a full motor replacement, with an estimated starting cost of $54,000. Staff said the city recently purchased a new truck but has two older units awaiting repair in Memphis. The council discussed whether to address the repairs that night or place the matter on the Feb. 18 agenda; staff noted the repair estimate was not in the original meeting packet because it arrived after the packet was prepared.
Why it matters: Sanitation fleet availability affects collection service and budget planning; large unscheduled repairs could require significant capital or operating funds.
Next steps: Staff offered to place the repair request on the council’s Feb. 18 agenda to allow additional time for review and for councilors to decide whether to proceed. No formal procurement or repair approval occurred at the Jan. 28 meeting.
Ending: The council did not vote on repairs on Jan. 28; staff will return with the item on a future agenda if requested.
