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Vandalia staff seeks final meter appropriation and multiple equipment purchases to complete 2026 capital plan
Summary
Staff asked council to approve a final appropriation of up to $300,000 for Badger eSeries water meters to finish the citywide replacement and recommended several vehicle/equipment purchases (loader, dump truck chassis and upfit) using Sourcewell contracts to lock prior pricing; combined upfit and chassis costs fall slightly under budget.
City staff briefed the Vandalia City Council on several capital items tied to the 2026 budget: a final appropriation to complete the citywide water‑meter replacement and multiple public‑works equipment purchases, including a front‑end loader, a single‑axle dump truck cabin chassis and an upfit for dump beds and snow/ice equipment.
On meters, staff said about 5,200 of roughly 5,800 city meters have been installed and requested authorization to spend up to $300,000 (split between water and sewer funds) to buy Badger eSeries ultrasonic meters from Buckeye State Pipe & Supply Company to complete the program. Staff said the remaining meters are often the more difficult installs that require scheduling with residents or businesses and that the goal is to finish replacements in 2026, ideally by fall.
On equipment, staff recommended waiving formal bidding in favor of Sourcewell or other cooperative contracts to capture held pricing. They presented a $215,674 quote from Murphy Tractor and Equipment for a John Deere 544 wheel loader (including trade‑in), and a $129,876 chassis quote from Palmer Trucks (Kenworth of Dayton) for a single‑axle dump truck. K.E. Rose Company of Huber Heights quoted $177,372 to upfit a dump bed and snow/ice equipment; staff said the combined chassis and upfit total $307,469, which is $9,761 under the appropriation in the 2026 budget. Staff noted long lead times for some vehicles (delivery likely in 2027) and gave an expected service life for large equipment in municipal service at roughly 11–15 years depending on use.
Councilors asked questions about installation counts, delivery timing and storage while the new maintenance building is completed. Staff said they will provide outstanding installation counts on request and that pricing holds would be honored through the end of the month if purchases are authorized.
No formal purchases were finalized during the study session; these items were presented for council review and will appear on the regular meeting agenda for approval.
