Commissioners waive bidding to buy two plow trucks amid limited state bid availability

Strafford County commissioners voted to waive the competitive state bid process and accept dealer inventory for two plow trucks after staff reported a lack of comparable single‑cab Ford F‑250s on the current state contract.

Doug (maintenance staff) told the board he used the state bid process to price trucks but the specific F‑250 single‑cab 8‑foot bed configuration the county wanted was not available on the state contract; dealers instead had F‑350s on the lot. Using McFarland Ford as an example, staff said the dealer offered two ready‑to‑deliver F‑350s with snow‑plow packages, heated mirrors and sanders. Staff estimated total cost per vehicle, including plow equipment and fees, at about $59,000–$60,000.

Commissioners discussed the tradeoffs between waiting for state‑bid availability and buying available inventory. One commissioner said the dealer had effectively sharpened its price to accommodate the county’s needs. After debate, a commissioner moved to waive the bid requirement and accept the dealer offer; another commissioner seconded and the motion carried (voice vote). Staff said they would proceed to purchase two trucks now — reducing the original request from three to two because of availability — and finalize capital accounting in the budget.

Minutes show the board discussed the disposition of retired trucks and affirmed those assets had been retired. The administration will return with final contract documents and capital accounting details.