Council authorizes order for $600,000 HydroX hydro‑excavation truck, allocates costs across utility funds

Soda Springs — The council voted to authorize Public Works Director Dan Squires to order a HydroX hydro‑excavation truck, a machine staff said has multiple applications across sewer, water, power and street work and is estimated at about $600,000 if ordered before year‑end.

Staff presented the 2026–2028 capital plan and proposed allocating the cost among utility funds — an example allocation presented was 60% sewer, 20% power and 10% each from water and streets. Delivery lead times were estimated at 14–16 months, and staff said payment timing would align with the fiscal year when the truck arrives (FY27 was cited as the expected fiscal period for arrival and payment).

During the discussion councilors noted the equipment had been bid and that ordering before the calendar year end preserves a bid price discount. One council member moved to authorize Director Squires to place the order at an appropriate time prior to bid expiration; the council adopted the motion with recorded affirmative responses.

Why it matters: Hydro‑excavation equipment can reduce risk and time for utility excavations and cleanouts. Staff said a multipurpose truck would extend the useful life of existing cleaning equipment and increase in‑house capability for sewer and water work, potentially lowering future contractor costs.

Who said what: Staff: “It is estimated at $600,000 if we order before the end of the year.” Council: motion and approval to authorize the director to place the order. Staff also noted a $12,000 bid discount example and emphasized that the procurement is a vendor bid already vetted.

Next steps: Director Squires will place the order as he deems appropriate before the bid expiration and will coordinate fund allocations with finance staff; staff will report timing and delivery details to the council as they are finalized.