Scappoose council pre-authorizes purchase of sewer camera truck up to $220,000

The Scappoose City Council on Nov. 17 gave staff pre-approval to purchase a used sewer-inspection camera truck, authorizing City Manager Ben Bergner to work with Public Works Director Dave Sukow to complete procurement up to a $220,000 cap.

Public Works Director Dave Sukow told the council a vendor offered a 2022 Subsite/Ditch Witch demonstration truck for about $218,000, compared with a roughly $400,000 price for a comparable 2023 unit. Sukow said the city currently spends about $45,000 a year on contracted sewer-inspection services and must camera roughly 20% of its sewer system to meet DEQ requirements. He estimated the purchase would pay for itself in about 4½ years and would allow in-house route monitoring, post‑treatment verification and storm‑system inspections. Sukow also said training is included in the purchase price and that factory technicians would provide instruction.

Council members asked about warranty, operational costs and staffing. Sukow said warranty details were still being finalized, operational costs would be modest given low mileage in town, and some staff time would be required to run the unit. City Manager Ben Bergner and Sukow said staff would still obtain the required number of competitive quotes and comply with procurement rules before finalizing the purchase.

Council President Miller moved to authorize the city manager to work with the public works director to procure the truck not to exceed $220,000, pending satisfactory warranty terms. The motion passed by voice vote; the council did not record a roll‑call tally in the meeting record. The vehicle is expected to be funded from the wastewater budget and staff will return with procurement documentation and warranty information.