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Council authorizes quotes for combined jetter-vacuum trailer to aid drainage and utility locating
Summary
Whitley County authorized staff to solicit quotes for a jetter/vacuum trailer (used to jet drains and vacuum debris and to reduce need to excavate when locating utilities). Estimated cost presented near $187,000; council directed quotes return for approval before purchase.
Ryan Getz asked the council for authorization to solicit bids for a combined jetter/vacuum trailer that county engineering and highway crews would share for drainage cleaning and safer utility locating.
Getz said the unit would jet water to clear or locate lines without cutting fiber-optic coatings and use a vacuum to remove debris. He estimated manufacturers' pricing he'd seen (Vermeer) last fall around $187,000 and noted the item would be used by both the drainage and highway departments.
Commissioners had provided a favorable recommendation and members asked about training, lifecycle and whether renting was feasible. Getz said the vendor will provide training and that, based on experience, owning the trailer would likely save money and time in the long run because the county now pays for outside jetting work.
A council member moved to authorize staff to solicit quotes with the understanding that any purchase would return to the council for final approval; that motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Council members and staff said the county has funds available in the relevant account now but may need a future additional appropriation depending on bridge billing and invoicing timing.
