Denton board approves up to $14.98 million contract with Holt Caterpillar for heavy equipment

The Public Utility Board of the City of Denton voted June 9 to recommend adoption of an ordinance to execute a contract with Holt, Texas (Holt Caterpillar) to supply, service and repair Caterpillar construction equipment used across city departments. Staff described the contract as a one‑year base with four optional one‑year renewals, not to exceed $14,983,500 over the life of the agreement.

Tom Green, Director of Facilities and Fleet Services, told the board the contract would allow the city to buy, rent and repair heavy equipment used by utilities and public works, including loaders, excavators and landfill machinery; the vendor has diagnostic equipment and technical expertise required for major repairs. Green said vehicle and equipment purchases would still go through the city’s regular budgeting and procurement cycle and that the city is not obligated to spend the full not‑to‑exceed amount.

Board members asked for projections of scheduled asset replacements. Staff said two articulating off‑road dump trucks scheduled for replacement this fiscal year are each priced over $1 million and that a trash compactor acquisition can exceed $1 million. Staff described life expectancy at the landfill as typically 5–7 years before an overhaul and a 10–15 year life for many other Caterpillar construction assets, with maintenance schedules guiding replacement timing.

A motion to recommend the ordinance and contract was made and the board voted unanimously to forward the item to council. The recommendation passed with no opposing votes.

Votes: The board recorded a unanimous recommendation (6–0) to adopt the ordinance and authorize the contract not to exceed $14,983,500.