Council emergency ordinance approves $570,202.77 in supplemental appropriations, including $355,000 for electric digger truck

The St. Marys City Council on Tuesday suspended the rules and passed Ordinance 2025-12, an emergency supplemental appropriation totaling $570,202.77 to cover 11 requests from city supervisors and staff.

Mr. Fox, director of public service and safety, told council that the largest items include supplemental funding for solid waste vehicles and about $355,000 set aside for a new digger truck for the electric department. The digger truck is used to set poles and lift heavier equipment; Fox said the city could save about $100,000 by buying a demonstrator vehicle but faced a substantial lead time if ordering new equipment. "The biggest challenge is if we order that truck today, they told us we would have it in five years," Fox said, explaining the urgency behind the supplemental request.

Council moved to suspend the rules on Ordinance 2025-12; the motion was made by Mr. Yolngay and seconded by Ms. Childress. Following suspension, a motion to pass the ordinance was made and the council recorded all yes votes to approve the emergency measure. The ordinance was described at the meeting as necessary to address immediate capital and vehicle needs across several departments.

The appropriation will be implemented according to the auditor's review and the usual procurement channels; Fox noted some purchases are through state purchasing and that timing and availability continue to affect project delivery. Council members did not amend the ordinance on the floor.