Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fleet Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves surplus of three public‑works vehicles and equipment, authorizes auction disposal
Summary
Wasco County commissioners authorized disposal of three public‑works pieces—a 1993 Kenworth and two 1973 Caterpillar loaders—after staff explained replacement rationale and logistics; the board approved the surplus order unanimously.
Arthur Smith, public‑works director, asked the Board of Commissioners to surplus three pieces of equipment the department can no longer economically maintain: a 1993 Kenworth with a failed motor and two 1973 Caterpillar loaders that lack available parts and are costly to keep in service.
Smith explained the department purchased a used replacement truck and a newer Cat 930 loader to consolidate need and avoid repeated expensive repairs. He also described operational constraints—older machines can require over‑dimensional permits and are increasingly difficult to mobilize and maintain.
Board action
A commissioner moved to approve Order 25‑032 (surplus of public works vehicles and equipment); the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor. The order authorizes the public‑works director to dispose of the listed equipment pursuant to the county’s contracting regulations (section 8.J, surplus property) and directs disposal through a publicly advertised auction unless an alternate disposition is allowable under the rules.
Why it matters: The approved surplus clears retired or unserviceable rolling stock off county books and allows the county to recover value through public sale while documenting procurement/contract‑rule compliance for equipment replacement strategies.
Implementation
The public‑works director was authorized to begin disposition steps consistent with county contracting rules and to pursue auction sale. No alternative vendor contract was awarded at the meeting; disposal method cited by staff was publicly advertised auction under the county’s contracting regulations.
Ending
The board’s vote was unanimous. Smith told the board that fleet‑replacement needs remain large—he estimated replacement-value needs in the millions for the whole rolling‑stock fleet—and the department is pursuing an incremental replacement strategy where affordable.
