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Marathon County OKs $760,541 amendment to highway budget to buy two spec-built plow trucks ahead of winter
Summary
Facing vendor delays on ordered plow trucks and mounting repair costs on older vehicles, the committee approved a budget amendment to purchase two immediately available spec-built trucks using equipment-replacement reserves.
The Marathon County Finance & Property Committee approved on Oct. 7 a resolution amending the 2025 highway budget by $760,541 to purchase two spec-built plow trucks that are immediately available from a vendor, citing delivery delays on trucks the county ordered and high repair costs for aging vehicles.
Kevin, highway maintenance, told the committee that four main plow trucks the department expected to receive were delayed by the vendor, leaving the department with an unreliable fleet going into winter. Technicians are reporting frequent $10,000 repair bills on older trucks and one vehicle has been parked for safety concerns.
Highway staff sought the two spec-built trucks that a Minnesota vendor had built on speculation in response to widespread industry backlogs. Staff said the spec-built units meet most county specifications and include some enhancements such as higher horsepower and improved greasing systems.
The department proposed funding the purchase through the equipment-replacement fund/reserves established in 2025; the county will amend the current-year budget because the purchases will be made and paid for this year. The purchase was supported at the infrastructure committee and advanced to the Finance & Property Committee for approval.
Supervisor Poole moved to amend the 2025 highway budget by $760,541 and approve the two truck purchases; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Highway staff said the purchases will allow the county to retire two of its least reliable trucks and preserve spare capacity for winter maintenance; any trade or divestiture of older trucks will be handled through the department's normal disposition process.
