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Commissioners table pothole-patcher truck purchase after vendor raises specification concerns
Summary
The Board paused a $233,104.22 purchase to allow Public Works to review whether a gravity-fed Falcon truck could meet needs in place of the specified auger-equipped Pro-Patch unit; the motion to table passed unanimously.
Houston County commissioners on Nov. 5 tabled a planned purchase of a 2025 International Pro-Patch pothole patcher truck (bid $233,104.22 from H.D. Industries, funded by the 2018 SPLOST) after public comments raised specification questions. Chris Sonnier of Falcon Asphalt noted his company's truck uses a gravity-fed delivery system rather than an auger and said that design reduces maintenance costs; the Board asked Public Works to review Falcon's configuration before moving forward.
Purchasing Director Vanessa Zimmerman and Director of Operations Brian Jones explained that bid specifications were developed with Roads & Bridges and that the county's current patcher uses an auger system. Commissioner Gottwals amended the motion during discussion and the Board unanimously voted to table the purchase so staff could examine Falcon's equipment versus bid specs.
The Board did not record a substitute purchase or an immediate award; staff will report back with a technical comparison to ensure any replacement vehicle meets operational needs.
