Tega Cay council weighs buying a new leaf‑vacuum truck versus renting backup units

Joey, covering stormwater, told the council the department does not plan a stormwater rate increase but flagged leaf‑vacuum truck reliability as a recurring operational problem. Staff said older vacuum components are failing and parts can be slow to obtain; one in‑service unit is a 2019 model while an older 2013 truck has vacuum components that staff would prefer to remove and convert for hauling if replaced by a new vacuum truck.

Staff presented the tradeoffs: a new vacuum truck purchase was discussed in the $260,000–$360,000 range depending on specification; converting the 2013 chassis to a dump/haul truck would cost roughly $75,000; rental trucks are available in the region at about $15,000 per month but may be less efficient, require an extra crew member and have lower payload capacity. "If you rent a truck, you have to add another person to the truck," a staff member said, adding that rental units are typically stationary in operation and reduce efficiency.

Council members split on the approach. Councilwoman Jones argued for replacing the truck to maintain reliable resident service and to keep fleet replacement on schedule: "This feels like it's the time to make that replacement if we're moving towards that for all the vehicles the city cares for," she said. Other members urged testing rental options and asked staff to secure rental terms, turnaround commitments and demo opportunities so council could judge efficiency and availability in peak season.

Staff proposed arranging a demo from a rental vendor and comparing the city's existing vacuum unit to rental equipment in a side‑by‑side demonstration; staff also noted purchases could be financed through a lease purchase and that a council resolution would be required before borrowing. Council directed staff to return with rental quotes, demo arrangements and clearer lifecycle cost comparisons before finalizing a purchase decision.