Orrville council approves emergency purchase of digger derrick truck for electric utility

Orrville City Council on Feb. 17 approved an emergency purchase to add a digger derrick truck to the city’s electric utility fleet.

The council adopted Resolution 06‑25, which authorizes the Director of Utilities to enter a contract without competitive bidding to buy one digger derrick truck and declares the measure an emergency to expedite the purchase. Council member Squirrell introduced the resolution; Council member Davies seconded a motion to suspend the rule requiring three readings and the suspension passed unanimously, after which Squirrell moved to adopt the resolution and Council member Lax seconded. Council voted "ayes all" and the resolution was adopted.

Council discussion noted the electric utility currently owns two digger derrick trucks used to set poles and lift large transformers; one vehicle had been removed from service and the other is about 10 years old. During the discussion, council members said a vendor had a buyer back out of a sale, creating an opportunity for Orrville to move up in line to acquire a vehicle in roughly six months for just under $370,000. The purchase was reported to be included in the city’s 2025 budget.

Council members framed the emergency declaration as a way to take advantage of the vendor opportunity and keep the electric system’s equipment levels sufficient for routine line work. No formal amendment to the purchase was offered during the meeting and council took final action the same night.

The council adjourned at 8:15 p.m. and will reconvene for its next regular meeting on March 3, 2025.