Commissioners approve purchase of two trucks and stainless-steel upfits

Henry County commissioners on May 27 approved buying two replacement trucks and authorized stainless-steel bed upfits, with staff saying the buys would maintain fleet consistency and save money on parts and maintenance.

Braden, a county staff member presenting bids, said the truck base price was roughly $126,500 and described two upfit options: a standard steel bed (about $110,150) and a stainless-steel bed (about $123,548). “My recommendation would be to … go with Selking,” Braden said, arguing identical chassis and parts reduce mechanic time and parts inventory needs.

Commissioners discussed trade-in timing and the long-term value of stainless versus steel beds. Staff noted continuing changes to emissions requirements and said ordering early saves money; the trucks would be built now but held until January so payments fall in next year’s budget. Several commissioners said they favored stainless beds if funding remained available.

A motion to approve purchase of two trucks and a separate motion to approve stainless-steel upfits were moved, seconded and announced carried by the meeting chair. The county clerk recorded the approvals during the meeting.

The vote tallies were announced in the meeting transcript using the phrase “Motion carries 30” (transcript wording); the record provided no roll-call names tied to individual votes. The procurement packet included multiple vendor quotes; staff recommended Selking/International as the preferred chassis for parts consistency.

What happens next: procurement staff will finalize orders, and the trucks will be built and held until January when the county will fund them from next year’s budget.