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Council approves purchase of 2027 Freightliner trash truck amid resident complaints about pickup
Summary
Hammond authorized purchase of a 2027 Freightliner M2-106 trash truck for $159,997 after staff said the recommended bid met RFP specifications; council and residents extensively debated inconsistent debris pickup, contractor responsibility and vehicle tracking.
The Hammond City Council on Jan. 13 approved purchase of a 2027 Freightliner M2-106 trash truck with a 30-cubic-yard dump body from Covington Sales for $159,997 (RFP 26-10) after staff said the recommended vendor met the RFP specifications.
City staff explained the recommended truck matched RFP requirements and that a lower-priced bid did not meet specifications; a third proposal was received late and could not be considered. Staff said the purchase was part of the FY26 budget and would replace an older truck that spends substantial time in repair.
Multiple council members and residents used the discussion to press for clearer policy on bulk debris pickup, to ask how the city distinguishes contractor-generated debris from homeowner debris, and to seek faster response times. One council member said constituents had to haul their own debris when pickups failed. Staff directed residents with specific cases to contact the streets department and said work orders could be issued after an evaluation.
Council also asked about vehicle tracking and supervision of city equipment. A staff speaker said city equipment is tagged and department heads and IT can check tracking logs if there is a supervision concern. The motion to approve the purchase was seconded and carried.
"The 1 that was proposed by Covington Sales is exactly what was required in the RFP," staff said. "We generally do not pick up after commercial contractors. We provide the service to residents."
