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Council approves purchase of three sanitation trucks with contingency on vendor quote
Summary
Coventry approved a resolution to buy three new sanitation trucks to replenish aging fleet, with the council adding a contingency that the vendor honor current quoted pricing and any tariff exemptions in writing; delivery lead times for trucks were reported at 18 to 24 months.
The Coventry Town Council approved Resolution 2025-92 authorizing the purchase of three sanitation trucks for the Department of Public Works, and amended the motion to make approval contingent on receiving written confirmation from the vendor that the quoted price and tariff exemptions will be honored.
Why it matters: The town has been working to replace aging trash trucks that have experienced corrosion and mechanical failures. Council members and the public pressed for protections against price increases and tariffs on equipment ordered months before delivery.
Public comment prompted questions about the vendor quote. Britney Boyer, a resident, pointed out language on a vendor quote indicating a quote expiry and a possible price increase. "That quote has expired. It appears we're now subject to a price increase," Boyer said, adding that the $1.3 million figure in the packet "doesn't seem accurate based on this quote." She asked the council to obtain an updated total before approving large spending.
DPW Director Kevin McGee told the council the vendor had agreed to hold the price through Sept. 1 if the council approved the purchase; he said the manufacturer lead time for new trucks is long and delaying could result in higher future prices. "We had 3 trucks that we ordered back in February '24. We are over 18 months right now, and we still haven't received the third truck yet," McGee said.
Council action: The council adopted the resolution with an amended contingency. The original motion to approve was made by Councilman Pasqua and seconded by Councilman Capaldi; Councilman Brown later amended the motion to make approval contingent on the vendor providing written confirmation that the quoted prices and tariff exemptions would be honored; Pasqua seconded the amendment. The amended motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
Implementation and finance: McGee said the town anticipates delivery in approximately 18 to 24 months and that the town will finance the purchases through a combination of capital funds and the capital revolving fund; the town also sets aside money annually in the budget to replace trucks. Staff said the vendor offered to hold the quoted price through Sept. 1 if the council approved now; staff agreed to obtain written confirmation of that commitment and of any tariff exemptions before finalizing the purchase order.
What remains: The council required the written confirmation be provided and placed a contingency on the authorization; DPW will return with the written vendor confirmation and finalize procurement steps once documentation is received.
