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Tega Cay council weighs leaf-collection truck options as vacuum components fail
Summary
Deputy City Manager Joey Blethen told council April 27 that vacuum components on the city's leaf truck are failing. Staff outlined options: buy a new truck (~$360,000), rent seasonally (~$60,000), convert the 2013 truck to a hauler (~$75,000) or buy a new hauler ($200,000–$300,000); council discussed leasing as a test and the need for a replacement schedule.
Deputy City Manager Joey Blethen told the City Council at the April 27 budget workshop that the vacuum components on the city's leaf-collection truck are failing and that vendor consolidation has created a near–sole-source situation for parts and repairs.
Blethen said staff examined options and costs: buying a new leaf truck would cost roughly $360,000; renting for the season would be about $60,000 (approximately $15,000 per month) but requires two operators and has lower capacity; converting the existing 2013 truck into a hauler and removing vacuum components would be about $75,000; and a new truck configured as a hauler would cost roughly $200,000–$300,000.
Councilmembers discussed resident service impacts and procurement risks. Councilmember Heather Jones said she favors buying a new truck because leaf collection is a residential service and it carries broad public expectations; Councilmember Thomas S. Hyslip suggested testing a lease before committing to a purchase. Councilmember James D. Foltz emphasized the service impact when the truck is out of service and the need to balance cost stewardship with resident expectations.
Staff said the city will work with the vendor in Rock Hill to secure a lease/purchase agreement and determine whether a subsequent bid and resolution will be required. The City Manager will arrange a vendor demonstration so council can evaluate a replacement prior to decisions for FY2027–28.
