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Finance committee approves two new water‑division pickups despite council concern over timing and cost
Summary
After public comment and multiple council questions about need and procurement method, the finance committee approved purchase of two Chevrolet pickups for water‑division supervisors with a $121,970 cap; an attempt to amend the item to buy one truck failed.
The Warwick City Council finance committee approved Jan. 13 a request from Public Works to purchase two Chevrolet pickup trucks for the water division supervisors, with a combined cap of $121,970, despite several council members and residents arguing the purchases could be postponed or split across fiscal years.
Why it matters: Councilors said the city faces difficult financial challenges and asked departments to defer or stagger capital purchases where possible. Public commenters and some councilors suggested buying one truck now and delaying the second or considering late‑model used vehicles as cost‑saving alternatives.
Public Works Director Eric Earls said the purchases are for two newly created supervisor positions in the water division; the current foremen would move into foreman trucks with utility bodies when filled and the supervisors would receive the new pickups with plow packages. Earls told the committee the municipal master price agreement (MPA) was used to obtain what the department regards as competitive municipal pricing.
Council members questioned whether the city had shopped local dealers or considered used trucks. Councilman Lattice said he would be “looking to, everyone to be doing a little more with a little less.” Council members raised concerns about take‑home usage, fleet standardization, and whether purchases should come from enterprise fund capital budgets or be delayed until the city’s fiscal condition improves.
A motion by a councilor to amend the purchase to one vehicle at $60,985 failed for lack of a second. The committee then approved the purchase as presented; recorded committee votes showed the motion passed 3‑1. The department noted the water division is an enterprise fund with capital budget authority for these purchases.
What’s next: The item advances to the full council for final action. Committee members said they expect departments to pursue cost savings and be prepared to justify urgent capital requests during the coming budget cycle.
Votes at a glance: Committee approved the water division vehicle purchase as presented; an amendment to limit the purchase to one vehicle did not receive a second and failed to advance.
