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Danbury City board approves emergency purchase of 2025 Western Star plow truck
Summary
The Danbury City Board of Awards declared an emergency and voted to award the immediate purchase of a 2025 Western Star dump truck (plow and spreader) for $302,926, citing an aging fleet and delayed delivery of a truck on order; the purchase is contingent on approval of funds.
The Danbury City Board of Awards voted to declare an emergency and award the immediate purchase of a 2025 Western Star dump truck with stainless steel dump body, plow and spreader at a quoted cost of $302,926. Chip Gold, the city purchasing agent, opened the meeting and read the 11/24/2025 memo describing the request.
The memo, presented by Chip Gold and framed in remarks from Superintendent Tim Nolan, said the highway department's fleet includes multiple trucks more than 20 and 26 years old and that a plow truck previously on order will not be ready until 2026, leaving a gap ahead of winter. "The total quoted cost is $302,926," Gold said during the discussion. Staff said a similar truck on order is about 15% less expensive, and attributed the higher price to manufacturer increases over the past year and an upgraded drivetrain on the immediately available unit.
Officials noted the procurement economics. Gold summarized the chassis pricing as a manufacturer's suggested retail of $203,043 while the vendor quote for the chassis was $153,474, and identified an equipment package priced at $149,452 that is covered under a source contract the city participated in. The available unit was located on a Connecticut lot and could be delivered sooner than bidding for a new chassis, which staff said carries a 12-to-18-month lead time.
A board member moved to declare the purchase an emergency and waive formal bidding requirements; the motion was seconded and passed after members announced votes in favor. The board then voted to award the purchase to Equipment Specialists at the quoted cost of $302,926, contingent on approval of funds. Deputy Corporation Counsel Robin Edwards and Superintendent Tim Nolan announced votes in favor during roll call. The chair confirmed the award passed.
The award authorizes staff to proceed with the immediate purchase but is explicitly contingent on subsequent approval of funds before final payment. No amendment to the award was recorded at the meeting.
