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Newton council approves $140,000 for used knuckle-boom truck; vote 5–1
Summary
Council voted 5–1 to adopt a $140,000 budget amendment to buy a used knuckle‑boom truck now to improve yard-waste collection; Council Member Beverly Danner voted against the purchase.
The Newton City Council on July 13 adopted a $140,000 budget amendment to allow purchase of a used knuckle-boom truck intended to improve yard-waste collection, with a recorded 5–1 vote.
Public Works and Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told council that a knuckle-boom truck can be operated by one or two employees and would make brush collection viable with fewer staff. Staff reviewed available used trucks priced between $110,000 and $150,000 and said their goal was to buy a unit that could last at least 10 years under moderate to heavy use. The Capital Improvement Plan currently lists a new knuckle-boom purchase for 2032 at an estimated 2021 price of $180,000, Wentz said.
Council Member Jody Dixon moved the budget amendment to purchase a used knuckle-boom truck; Council Member Jerry Hodge seconded. The motion carried with Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver and Council Members Ed Sain, Jody Dixon, Jerry Hodge and Anne Wepner voting in favor, and Council Member Beverly Danner voting against. Staff will inspect candidate vehicles and return with a recommendation and purchase details.
