Dunn County committee awards 2026 plow-truck fabrications to Universal; delivery and warranty concerns raised

The Dunn County Highway Committee voted to award fabrication of two tandem-axle and one tri-axle highway trucks to Universal Truck Equipment, selecting the vendor after comparing bids and option prices. Committee members and staff discussed that chassis and fabrication lead times remain long; vendors estimated chassis availability this year with fabrication timelines reaching 320 to 420 days. Staff said the three chassis for the 2026 program are expected to arrive this year but will not be paid for until the 2026 budget year. The committee approved Universal's proposals including selected options: an extra brine tank on the tandem units, liners and a high-lift tailgate on the tri-axle to reduce material sticking and prolong service life. Committee members repeatedly stressed the need for stronger delivery assurances and penalties for late delivery, noting pandemic-era scheduling changes relaxed guaranteed delivery terms. Staff said contract negotiations can include delivery clauses and that if the county and vendor cannot reach agreeable contract terms the committee can return to other bidders. Members also discussed trade-offs between up-front option costs and long-term operating or repair costs: liners and better tailgates would increase upfront costs but reduce maintenance and improve material handling. Staff recommended Universal based on price and the vendor's in-house fabrication capabilities. A motion to accept Universal's bids with the agreed options was made and seconded; the committee approved the award by voice vote. Staff will proceed to negotiate final contract terms with the selected vendor and return to the committee if contract negotiations require substantive changes.