Wasco County commissioners unanimously approved waiving the county’s informal solicitation requirements so public works can purchase a used bucket truck from a single in‑state vendor.

Arthur Smith, Wasco County public works director, told the board the county’s current bucket truck is a 1994 model with a reach “less than 25 feet” and mounting mechanical and boom issues that may prevent recertification. Smith said the truck performs daily functions for public works and facilities — tree and hazard removal, bridge inspection access, maintenance at county-owned structures and at the fairgrounds — and that a more capable vehicle is essential for safety and operations.

Smith said the county located a used truck in Clackamas at FMI Equipment that meets boom and outrigger certification and has been inspected by county staff. He described the likely price as about $230,000 and said the purchase was budgeted in the coming fiscal year as a shared expense between the general fund and the road fund.

Facilities manager Robert Hughes said the new vehicle would improve safety and allow facilities staff to perform routine work at the fairgrounds and on county buildings without hiring outside contractors.

Board action: A commissioner moved to waive the requirements to obtain informal price quotes or proposals for the procurement of the used bucket truck; a second was recorded and the motion passed by unanimous vote. Smith said the vendor is holding the truck pending county approval.

Clarifying details included that the County’s informal solicitation threshold is $150,000 (items below that typically get quotes); this truck exceeds that threshold so the sole‑source request applied. Smith said the procurement memorandum was prepared with legal counsel and that the county would surplus the existing 1994 truck in accordance with county surplus procedures.

What happens next: If county purchasing/contract procedures are completed, staff said they will issue a purchase order and arrange for local transport of the truck to county facilities.