Oakdale approves purchase of two utility trucks as fleet replacement plan advances

Oakdale City Council approved 5–0 the purchase of two utility trucks to be funded from capital replacement funds after staff presented bids and described fleet needs.

Public Works staff told the council they solicited three bids and recommended purchases from Halen Ford and Steve Chevrolet. Staff’s resolution authorized one utility truck from Halen Ford for $71,509.83 (water capital replacement fund) and one from Steve Chevrolet for $71,730.90 (sewer capital replacement fund), and the surplus of a 1998 Chevrolet. Staff said the bid packages included an additional approximately $3,000 per vehicle to outfit lights, bed liners and other safety equipment and that this year’s budget set aside $180,000 for the two trucks, with no general‑fund impact stated.

Fleet supervisor Stan Milam and staff explained the aged 1998 truck has high maintenance needs and does not meet current emissions requirements; legal and cost constraints make recycling the likely disposition rather than resale. Staff said retrofitting older vehicles for California emissions compliance is often cost‑prohibitive, and the city is developing a five‑year replacement plan to prioritize future purchases (including eventual replacement of dump trucks when required by emissions rules).

Council asked about spare vehicles, budget rollover and future needs; staff said unspent replacement funds remain safeguarded for capital replacement and that future budget cycles will address dump trucks and other aging units.

The council approved the purchase and surplus recommendation by roll call vote.