Atoka council approves $206,000 purchase of demo street sweeper

The Atoka City Council voted to purchase a demo street sweeper for $206,000, including an extended warranty, after staff described repeated breakdowns of the city's current machine.

Council members said the new unit was brought to the meeting for inspection and that the current sweeper has been kept running with repeated repairs. "It's literally got a clamp on both sides to hold the bucket together so that it won't just fall out in the street," said Mister Delay, a staff member who presented the item.

Staff said the demo machine has only a small number of operating hours and mileage for a used unit and that a brand‑new model would cost about $223,000, making the purchase a significant price decrease compared with a new unit. "We've been limping through with our current one, which is 23 years old and doesn't work half the time," Delay said.

Council members discussed procurement procedures. Staff and members referenced purchasing through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract versus conducting an open bid. A staff member said, "As long as the Sourcewell approves for that price, we're legally okay," and the city attorney recommended approval.

Council voted by roll call with all members present recorded as voting yes. The newly purchased unit was parked outside the meeting for members to inspect after adjournment; staff said final paperwork will reflect the Sourcewell procurement requirements so the city audit record will show the proper contract authority.

The council directed staff to complete required procurement documentation and to finalize the purchase process under the Sourcewell (cooperative purchasing) framework before contract close.