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Council hears proposal to use one‑time water/sewer reimbursement to buy new maintenance truck
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Summary
Staff reported nearly $180,000 in unexpected state reimbursement for underbilled water accounts and discussed using some of those one‑time funds to replace an aging 1997 dump truck used for cemetery and maintenance work; staff will solicit bids and return with a budget amendment proposal.
City staff told the council the city expects a one‑time reimbursement of nearly $180,000 from the state to cover previously underbilled water accounts caused by a system error. Dennis said the money must be used for water or sewer purposes but asked whether the council would consider using a portion of the unexpected funds to replace a cemetery flatbed/dump truck that is at the end of its service life.
Staff presented cost estimates: a new truck from a dealer with roughly 550 miles on it plus equipment (flatbed and lift) would total about $105,000; staff also noted state surplus vehicles could cost around $30,000 but with much higher mileage. Dennis said staff had two lower bids for some outfitting in the $37,000–$41,000 range and recommended the operations supervisor (JD) continue to pursue options and return numbers for an amended budget and the required public hearing.
Why it matters: replacing an aging vehicle would reduce maintenance burden for cemetery and public‑works operations, but using the one‑time water/sewer reimbursement for a vehicle must comply with restrictions that the funds be applied to water or sewer purposes; staff and council will need to confirm whether vehicle procurement and allocation meet the funding restrictions or whether equipment should be charged to another capital fund.
What happens next: staff will gather competitive bids, evaluate surplus options and, if council supports purchase, present a formal budget amendment and public hearing for any reallocation of the one‑time funds.