Michael Smith asks commissioners to approve going out to bid on brush truck amid safety, cost debate

Michael Smith asked the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners to approve going out for bids on a new brush truck, presenting a vendor estimate for a 3,500-configured vehicle at roughly $70,000 and saying the county’s fire chiefs recommended a single-wheel configuration. "After accounting for all the equipment, personnel, skid unit, water weight, we should still be, you know, almost couple thousand pounds under the weight rating for that vehicle," Smith said when describing the vendor estimate.

Commissioners pressed for details on wheel configuration and durability. One committee member warned of structural risks with lighter modern frames, saying he had seen trucks that were effectively "tacoed" after hitting ditches under heavy loads and urged caution before changing from traditional dual rear wheels. Smith said he had consulted multiple chiefs and that neighboring departments such as Coffeyville had ordered 3,500-series trucks with similar setups and that the vendor’s estimate included a seller warranty and some manufacturer coverage.

Smith said converting to a super-single wheel or upgrading to a heavier chassis could add $15,000–$20,000 for the conversion and push total costs well over $100,000. Commissioners asked Smith to circulate formal bid specifications by email and return next week with the paperwork so the board can authorize a formal bid solicitation.