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Board approves purchase of five public‑works vehicles and attachments totaling $1.18 million
Summary
Franklin’s Board of Public Works authorized purchase of five Department of Public Works items — a chassis/plow truck, snow equipment, a bucket truck, a skid-steer, and a street sweeper — totaling $1,176,940 and within the 2025 budget framework.
The Franklin City Board of Public Works voted Jan. 14 to authorize purchase of five pieces of Department of Public Works equipment, totaling $1,176,940 and described by staff as within the 2025 budget.
Why it matters: The equipment purchases replace aging fleet assets and address availability issues in the vehicle supply chain that have delayed prior acquisitions. Board approval allows staff to place orders while chassis and upfitting availability remain favorable.
What the board approved: Staff presented five budgeted purchases — a Western Star single-axle chassis (to be upfitted later with plow and spreader), a Miller/Bradford vehicle (described as a snow machine with multiple attachments), an Elgin street sweeper, a VersaLift bucket truck (replacement), and a Cat skid-steer loader. The items were previously included in the 2025 budget; staff said earlier budget authority covered chassis and outfitting for two plow trucks (budget line noted in discussion: $700,000 for two complete chassis and outfitting). The total for the five items presented at the meeting was reported as $1,176,940.
Staff explained supply constraints drive timing: chassis availability is currently limited to Western Star models, while bodies and plow/spreader upfitters have longer lead times. For the Western Star chassis approved tonight, staff said the plan is to purchase the chassis now and complete body and outfitting later when vendors can deliver; both chassis purchases will be upfitted at the same time when the second unit becomes available.
Board members discussed drivetrain preferences, upfitting materials (stainless steel bodies and spreaders were preferred for longevity), transmission choices (Allison automatic transmissions), and attachments planned for the snow machine, including a ribbon-style snowblower, folding V-plow and salt/sand spreader.
Formal action: Alderman Yusuf Hassan moved to approve the equipment purchases; David Wisnicki seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion carried.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with ordering the approved items and coordinating upfit schedules with preferred upfitters (Monroe or Caspers were mentioned as likely upfit shops). Staff said they will return to the board with additional equipment items and further procurement details in coming months as remaining budgeted equipment is finalized.
