Council tables garbage‑truck purchase, authorizes equipment sales and short‑term rentals for sanitation operations

The Helena–West Helena City Council on Tuesday reviewed a $223,900 vendor quote for a rear‑loader garbage truck and took a series of related actions intended to stabilize sanitation operations while staff studies financing options.

A sales representative from Arkansas Municipal Equipment, introduced as Ronnie, presented a rear‑loader truck and warranty package, explaining the vendor’s service network and warranties for engine, transmission and body components. The vendor said the quoted truck is on stock from the builder and that, with approvals, delivery could be fast. He described the rear‑loader as a better fit for the city’s current maintenance capacity than automated side‑loaders because of fewer moving parts.

Council members noted maintenance downtime and the higher repair costs they have experienced with their current automated trucks and discussed trade‑in/salvage options. Staff reported an estimated market value of about $103,000 if a downed truck is sold intact versus $3,200 as parts salvage; councilmembers cited that when weighing replacement or repair.

Rather than take immediate action on the $223,900 quote, the council tabled the purchase to the Nov. 4 meeting so the mayor, treasurer and finance staff can consider payment and financing options. Council asked staff to return with options on Nov. 4.

Separately, council authorized the sanitation and street department to solicit bids to sell a list of surplus and nonworking equipment; staff cited a prior sale that returned approximately $50,000 in proceeds. The motion to permit bidding and sale passed 5–0.

The landfill requested permission to purchase a service truck using proceeds from recent equipment sales. Staff reported the landfill had purchased a leachate truck for $19,000 from auction proceeds and had roughly $31,000 remaining; council authorized the mayor to approve use of those funds to acquire a service truck if a suitable vehicle becomes available. That motion passed 5–0.

To address immediate service needs, the council also authorized a six‑day rental of contractor garbage trucks for roughly $4,500 to maintain collection schedules; that motion passed 5–0.

Council members asked staff to provide financing scenarios and to return with more details at the Nov. 4 meeting. Vendor warranty documents and buyback program options were discussed as potential ways to reduce long‑term maintenance costs.