Oak Grove authorizes purchase of replacement animal‑services truck and slide‑in transport unit

The Oak Grove Board of Aldermen on March 2 authorized the purchase of a replacement vehicle and a slide‑in animal transport unit for the city’s animal services program.

Justin, a city staff member presenting the item, said the city’s current animal services vehicle is a 2008 Ford Ranger and described options and costs for replacement. He told the board that slide‑in transport bodies and full‑body units vary in cost and that full‑body units generally require heavier‑duty chassis, which are more expensive. He said his preferred option is a Jones Trailer slide‑in unit paired with a later‑model half‑ton pickup.

Justin asked the board to authorize purchase of a slide‑in dog box and a 2022 or newer half‑ton pickup with 50,000 miles or fewer for a total purchase of about $40,000, with up to $14,000 allocated for the slide‑in unit and about $26,000 for the truck. He said $35,000 of that amount is already budgeted in the capital improvement fund and the remaining roughly $5,000 would come from the building‑codes budget.

A board member asked whether the slide‑in units could carry livestock; Justin answered affirmatively and said the units are suitable for common animal transport tasks. A motion to authorize the purchase was made, seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.

The board did not specify a vendor in the motion; staff said they had been surveying available bodies and trucks and would proceed with procurement consistent with budget and purchasing rules.

The authorization allows staff to move forward with the purchase and to return any required procurement paperwork or contract for records or final approval as dictated by city policy.