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Pender County to buy specialized crane truck after contractor costs exceed budget
Summary
After staff research showed contractor pump‑pulling would cost about $4,500 per week (roughly $234,000 annually), the Board approved purchase of a specialized crane truck (quoted at about $185,000) to support sewer pump maintenance. The original budget had set aside $200,000 for the vehicle.
The Board of Commissioners authorized purchase of a specialized crane truck to support county wastewater and lift‑station maintenance after staff said contract costs to pull pumps would be significantly higher than buying a truck.
Public Works presenter Mister Terry told the board he had searched statewide for a replacement crane truck and ultimately located a unit for purchase from a dealer; the dealer quoted a price of about $185,000 for a truck on order with a delivery window of October–December. Terry said contracting a private firm to pull lift‑station pumps would cost about $4,500 per week, which he estimated at roughly $234,000 per year, making the purchase more cost‑effective over time. The vehicle had originally been budgeted at $200,000.
Terry explained the operational need: pumps clog from debris such as sanitary products and other waste, requiring the pumps to be pulled for inspection and impeller maintenance. The county's existing crane truck is damaged (a bent chassis) and cannot handle the larger pumps at some regional stations; staff plans to repair the old unit and use it for smaller stations when possible.
Commissioners voted to approve the purchase; the motion carried unanimously. Staff said the older crane truck will be repaired and retained for smaller tasks while the new crane will address the larger regional pump stations and emerging needs on sites such as the 421 pump station.
Action: Motion to purchase specialized crane truck approved unanimously. Staff will proceed with procurement and schedule repair of the existing crane truck for secondary use.
