Purchasing vehicles is difficult for towns, cities, and counties with supply chain issues.
Plymouth Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt told members of the Board of Public Works and Safety Monday evening that he planned to replace a 10-ton dump truck this year and put funds in his budget to do so. He said he ordered a truck in 2022 and they are now telling him the chassis is scheduled to be built in May so it should arrive this spring. He wanted to replace another truck this year but when speaking to the truck body manufacturers and several trucking dealers they say no one will quote a vehicle because allocations are so low right now. They aren’t sure they could even deliver a truck in 2024.
Marquardt spoke to the Clerk-Treasurer about taking those funds, approximately $250,000, and purchasing a few pieces of equipment out of the 5-year Capital Asset Plan such as a leaf machine and mini-excavator. He said there are several little items they could consider.
Councilman Jeff Houin asked if the truck purchase was to replace a truck and Marquardt said yes. Houin also asked if the city would incur additional maintenance costs by not replacing the truck and Marquardt said he probably will. He said his oldest trucks are 15 to 20 years old and the salt eats out the underside.
The Board of Public Works and Safety felt like Marquardt’s plan was sensible and gave their approval to look at other purchases with the funds he has budgeted for a new dump truck this year.
