Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Equipment Capital topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council requests cost-benefit analysis for vacuum truck vs. renting services
Summary
Council asked public works to analyze whether buying a vacuum (vac) truck is more cost‑effective than renting trailers, given high upfront costs (figures discussed between ~$675,000 and ~$1 million) and rental rates cited during the meeting.
Midway City council asked staff to prepare a short cost‑benefit analysis comparing purchase and rental options for a vacuum truck used for storm‑drain cleaning and water‑line work.
Council members debated the tradeoffs between renting vacuum trailers as needed (staff cited an hourly rental rate discussed in the meeting) and acquiring a municipally owned vacuum truck that would expand capacity and reduce recurring rental costs. During the discussion staff and council members referenced a range of purchase prices discussed with vendors (participants mentioned amounts between about $675,000 and $1 million in the course of the conversation) and noted typical replacement/turnover assumptions of five to seven years. Staff said Park City had rented multiple units for a project and that rentals are available but can be limited during peak needs.
Council asked staff to produce a short written analysis that includes: the typical annual cost of renting a vacuum trailer based on actual days used in prior years; after‑hours and mileage charges when rental companies dispatch; estimates for residual value if the city purchases (trade-in or resale after an assumed life); and a projection of labor savings, service improvements, and any reduction in third‑party rental costs that ownership could achieve. Several council members emphasized the need for data showing how often rentals were unavailable during critical after‑hours emergencies (for example, overnight water leaks) and how much labor time a dedicated truck would save.
Staff agreed to return with an email and analysis in about a week giving comparative rental costs, likely annual savings, residual/value estimates, and implementation options. No purchase decision was made at the meeting.
