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Public works seeks multi-year truck orders as salt use strains supplies
Summary
Public works reported plans to place multi-year orders for replacement large-plow trucks to secure build slots and flagged increased salt usage and rising equipment lead times; staff asked council to add funding authorization to an upcoming agenda.
Franklin Park public works staff told council they plan to place orders now for multiple large-plow trucks because current industry build slots can be more than a year out and prices are rising.
The public works representative reported that one vehicle ordered for 2025 was just signed and that similar trucks targeted for 2026 may require ordering immediately to secure a build slot. Staff cited a price estimate for a fully outfitted truck (plow, spreader, body and accessories) in the range of about $190,000–$210,000. They said failing to secure a build slot could push delivery into 2027 and increase cost.
Councilors also heard that the borough’s salt inventories are being consumed rapidly during the current winter run of storms. Public works officials said usage has already outpaced recent years and that an additional order of 700 tons (approx.) is already in process; staff warned more purchases may be needed if storms continue. The department recommended planning multi-year vehicle replacements (2025–2027) and placing related budget authorizations on a future meeting agenda.
No binding purchase orders or budget votes were finalized during the work session; council instructed staff to bring formal purchase authorizations and budget items to a future meeting for approval.
