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Valdosta approves $285,000 grapple truck purchase and $197,713 HVAC contract for regional crime lab
Summary
Council awarded a $285,000 contract for a 40-yard grapple truck (low bidder: 4 Star Freightliner) and approved a $197,713 contract with Ray and Sons for an HVAC chiller for the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory; both actions passed by show of hands.
Valdosta’s mayor and council on Sept. 11 approved two procurement items intended to improve city operations and public safety facilities.
John Burton, Motor Pool Superintendent, told the council that Public Works needs a 40-yard grapple truck to clear large debris and storm damage. Sealed bids were opened and Burton recommended award to the low bidder meeting specifications, 4 Star Freightliner, at $285,000. Council discussed how the vehicle could expand special pickup capabilities and noted that an ordinance addressing pickup size/process will need to be drafted by staff; Burton estimated delivery at about 10–11 months. The council approved the purchase by motion and a show of hands.
Police Chief Leslie Manahan requested approval to replace the 16-year-old HVAC chiller at the Valdosta-Lowndes Regional Crime Laboratory. She reported three bids: Bold Air ($185,264), Ray and Sons Heating and Air ($197,713), and Lang Mechanical ($229,000), but said Lang’s bid did not meet specifications. Chief Manahan noted that the FY26 budget under SPLA includes $280,000 for the replacement, and that Ray and Sons met specifications, offered an extra year labor warranty and are local; she recommended awarding the contract to Ray and Sons. The council approved that contract by motion.
What’s next: procurement staff will execute contracts and schedule equipment delivery and installation; council asked staff to prepare any necessary ordinance language governing expanded pickup capacity for council consideration.
