Council authorizes evaluation of damaged rollback; repair estimates range widely

The Lawrenceburg City Council on May 5 authorized staff to take a failed rollback tow truck to International for a teardown inspection and estimate, after staff presented competing repair quotes.

A staff speaker said the lowest written quote—Bluffs—was about $26,000 but “that don't include no injectors, the wiring harness for injectors, oil pan, valve covers, EGR cooler” and other parts. Another quote from a NAPA provider approached $43,000–$44,000 for a complete engine replacement. Council members and staff repeatedly noted that repair shops cannot confirm whether the existing engine block can be reused until the engine is disassembled. As one staff member put it, “they won't know until they tear into it.”

Council discussed funding sources: staff suggested the motor-vehicle-highway (MVH) repair line or local repair budgets could cover the cost; staff member Jillian was asked to look for additional funds. Council also emphasized service continuity: public works relies on the rollback for towing during busy seasons and events such as Music on the River.

Council member Tony Abbott moved to send the truck to International for inspection and report back; Council member Dylan Little seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote of “Aye.” Council instructed staff to report the outcome of the teardown and a recommended repair path once mechanics provide a firm scope and cost.

Councilors and staff framed the decision as a procedural step to avoid committing to the larger expenditure without diagnostic confirmation. If the engine requires a new block or other major components, the city may face the higher estimate; if the existing block can be reused, costs would be closer to the lower quote but could rise if additional parts are needed.