Council approves pickup purchase for Water & Sewer Department citing local service and cost savings

The Marysville City Council approved the Water & Sewer Department's request to purchase a 3/4‑ton crew‑cab pickup truck, citing lower total cost when local service and warranty convenience are taken into account.

Staff presented a quote from a local dealer (recorded in the meeting as 'Honeyman' or variants) with a list price around $51,000 and a fleet/discounted price near $48,000; council discussed using municipal equipment reserve funds for the purchase and repaying the reserve over time as previously done for other fleet purchases. Staff said attachments (pipe rack, safety lights) are additional costs estimated in the meeting at roughly $2,500–$3,500 and will be added if the vehicle is purchased.

Councilmembers reviewed current fleet inventory and replacement cycles and agreed buying a locally serviced vehicle reduces time lost driving to distant dealerships for warranty service. The motion to approve the purchase was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff said the administration will increase future capital budgets to better match equipment costs across departments and will surplus older vehicles as new purchases arrive.