Department requests new pickup and digging bucket as board reviews budget

During the Gates County budget discussion, a department director outlined modest capital requests for vehicle replacement and equipment and described current fleet practices.

The director said the department runs eight pickup trucks and noted the oldest vehicle is a 2016 model. "I have asked for replacing the last old truck that I have, enterprise," the director said, and added a request for a thumb attachment and a 1‑foot digging bucket to handle frequent underground obstructions. The director said the digging bucket is a relatively small ticket item compared with larger capital projects.

Board members and staff discussed fleet management options. A staff member noted the county works with Enterprise for fleet management and that proceeds from vehicle sales return to the county. The staff member also said the county has considered offering fleet services for law enforcement vehicles and that various offerings remain under discussion. Committee members asked about vehicle‑washing practices and responsibility; the director said drivers are expected to wash trucks periodically and the department will ensure vehicles are cleaned at least monthly.

The director also said, in response to projected utility increases, they had increased the utilities line item by about 20 percent to account for an expected 9 percent rate rise and potential further increases. The board did not vote on these requests during the session but thanked staff and asked for documentation to support proposed budget changes.

What happens next: staff will provide any requested backup documentation on fleet replacement costs and utility line adjustments; no formal approvals were recorded during the meeting.