Truck Works says it repurchased Centerville dump truck after weak auctions; council members say they were not informed

Carl Cummings of Truck Works told the Centerville City Council that under the company’s municipal lease program the firm often places trucks into auction cycles (March, June, September, December) but sometimes repurchases and resells a vehicle if auction conditions are poor.

Cummings said the city operated the truck for a year without making payments under the lease arrangement and that, because of this year’s weak auction market, Truck Works repurchased the truck and resold it rather than sending it to JM Wood’s auction. "We actually bought that truck back from y'all and we resold it," he said, and added that the company absorbed substantial losses to help the city.

Council members said they had expected the truck to be sold at auction per their understanding of the contract and that the council had not been advised that Truck Works would repurchase the vehicle. A council member said they were unaware a new truck was already on site and pressed for clearer communication and earlier notice about auction timing.

Cummings offered to give future advance notice — suggesting a four- to five-month heads-up before auction decisions — and said Truck Works consults JM Wood for market guidance. He described the company’s approach as trying to avoid having the municipality take a steep loss at auction in weak sales years.

Council members requested that Truck Works and staff provide clearer documentation and financials before final auction or buyback decisions and asked to be involved in timing decisions going forward.

The discussion did not record a formal vote on the procurement contract; council members asked staff to present contract details or notice procedures at a future meeting.