Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $399,000 purchase of used sewer/back truck; staff to set rental/billing rates
Summary
After extensive discussion about repair costs and shared use, Mount Pleasant City Council voted to buy a 2022 used back truck for $399,000 and directed staff to establish billing rates for use by other towns at the next council meeting.
Mount Pleasant City Council approved the purchase of a used sewer/back truck (described in the packet as a 2022 model) for $399,000, with a stipulation that staff present recommended billing and rental rates for outside jurisdictions at the next council meeting.
Council discussion preceding the vote covered the condition of the city—s existing truck, the cost to repair a failed main pump, and options between buying a used truck and purchasing a new vehicle. Public works staff reported the existing truck—s pump failure would cost about $38,000 to rebuild and that the pump model is increasingly obsolete, making repairs expensive. Staff also presented a used-truck option (2022 model) for $399,000 and noted a brand-new equivalent would cost roughly $600,000.
Councilmembers and staff discussed warranty and service differences. The vendor quote on the used truck included a one-year warranty for certain components; staff said the used-truck sale in the packet was shown as "sold as is" for some listings, so warranty details varied. The council also debated routes to offset capital costs, including sharing with neighboring towns (Spring City and Fairview), charging rental rates that would be placed into a replacement fund, and ensuring Mount Pleasant operators run the equipment when the truck is loaned.
Councilmember Paul moved to purchase the used 2022 back truck at $399,000 and to require staff bring a finalized billing/rental-rate proposal to the next city council meeting; Councilmember Kate seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.
Council direction and next steps: staff will finalize the purchase paperwork, confirm warranty language with the vendor, and prepare a proposed billing and manpower rate for outside jurisdictions (and a plan to deposit rental revenue in a replacement fund) for the next council meeting. Councilmembers also asked staff to calculate operating cost comparisons (hours remaining, expected life, hourly depreciation) to inform future capital-replacement decisions.
