Council approves purchase of 10 refuse trucks as department seeks to shorten rental costs and reduce downtime

Solid Waste Director Kervenson (Amy Solowis) told the Clearwater City Council on June 18 that manufacturer delays and long lead times prompted the department to request authorization to acquire 10 refuse trucks ahead of the fiscal year 2026 replacement cycle.

Solowis said the request covers multiple vehicle types — three front-end loaders, two automatic side loaders, one roll-off truck among others — with the total not to exceed $4,194,187. The department said some trucks will replace existing vehicles designated for replacement and that two additional front-end loaders and two roll-off trucks were added to the order to address operational gaps and reduce expensive rental costs.

According to staff, four front-end loader trucks were available in stock and could be delivered immediately; the in-stock diesel vehicles were priced at about $115,000 each for that immediate availability, while other specialized vehicles have longer lead times and higher prices. Solowis told council the purchase will diversify the fleet (diesel rather than all natural gas) to improve operational resilience when a single fuel or supply pathway is disrupted.

Council moved to approve the purchase order and authorized financing either through the city27s master lease purchase agreement or an interfund loan from the Capital Improvement Fund, whichever is in the city27s best interest. The motion carried unanimously.

No council amendments to the procurement were recorded at the meeting; staff will proceed to finalize purchase orders and manage trade‑in or auction of replaced vehicles as appropriate.