The LaSalle Finance Committee voted to buy a 2026 Western Star 47X heavy-duty plow truck for $252,000 to replace an older vehicle in the public-works fleet.

Public-works staff said they solicited three bids: the Western Star at $252,000, an International at $260,000 and a Volvo at $256,000. Staff noted the Western Star includes a side "wing" plow that will let crews push back drifting snow on rural roads without relying on township vehicles, and that the Western Star unit is currently in stock and can be delivered immediately while the other vendors were quoting roughly 18 months for build and delivery.

The committee record shows the line item already had appropriations: $300,000 was appropriated in the current budget line and $200,000 in the prior year (the prior-year appropriation did not result in a purchase). An alderman described the purchase cost as "shocking" but members emphasized fleet capability and delivery timing in their discussion.

A motion to purchase the truck was made by Alderman Biz Demus and seconded by Alderman Laverre. A roll-call vote recorded 'Aye' votes from the members listed and the motion carried.

The committee did not identify additional modifications to the purchase at the meeting; staff said they had the other bid documents available for review and affirmed funding was appropriated for the purchase. The new truck will enter the public-works fleet once procured and outfitted.