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Committee OKs $350,000 order for aerial bucket truck after long lead times and repairs
Summary
Fleet and Parks staff told the Financial Affairs Committee that the city's highest‑reach bucket truck is 26 years old and down for major repairs; the committee approved a $350,000 level‑3 transfer to order a replacement and bridge the gap with rentals, 7–0.
Wauwatosa’s Financial Affairs Committee on March 17 approved a $350,000 level‑3 fund transfer to purchase a replacement aerial bucket truck after staff reported the city’s 26‑year‑old unit suffered major repairs and prolonged downtime.
Fleet and Parks officials explained the truck is critical for tree pruning and forestry operations (a 50‑foot reach). Staff said the unit has been down about a month, replacement chassis lead time can be as long as 18 months, and long‑term rental costs would be prohibitively expensive. The department plans short‑term repairs while ordering a new truck and expects delivery toward the end of next year.
Alder Dolan moved approval; Alder McCluth seconded. The committee voted 7–0 to approve the transfer and order the truck.
Staff said the purchase is intended to maintain pruning schedules and reduce reliance on costly rentals while the new vehicle is built.
