Board approves five‑year lease for three public‑works trucks amid engine and emissions uncertainty

Trustees voted to approve a five‑year lease purchase to fund three public‑works vehicles — a highway truck, a brush truck and a tanker truck — after extended discussion about supplier pricing, engine availability and trade‑in uncertainty.

The finance director told the board that the tanker truck's specified engine is not currently available and that manufacturers have indicated lead times and potential price increases when the engine becomes available. On that point the finance director referenced conversations with staff from the Griswold Fire Department and said one contact "was feeling if the increase was anything, it's not more than $50,000," but cautioned that estimates vary and the final impact is uncertain.

Board members noted the market is volatile: interest rates have risen since earlier quotes and federal emissions changes scheduled for late summer could influence final pricing for heavy vehicles. Members debated ordering all three trucks now — to secure current discounts (including a two‑for discount) — versus buying two now and deferring the tanker, which would push that debt into a later fiscal year and could create a budget 'blip.'

After discussion a motion was made and seconded to proceed with the lease purchase over a five‑year term; the board voted in favor and the motion carried. Staff said the escrow arrangement for the lease would allow draw downs as invoices are received, but added that a firm purchase order would reduce flexibility to back out if a later engine price proved cost‑prohibitive.