The Williams City Council approved a request from Public Works Director Colt Esenwein to purchase several new vehicles to replace those that were well beyond their intended life.
“As the Public Works Department begins to take on more complex maintenance operations, there is a need to update our fleet, replacing outdated, out-of-compliance, and high maintenance vehicles – and acquiring new equipment,” Esenwein noted in a staff report.
The Council on Feb. 16 approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford 350 Super Cab Diesel Truck 4×4 with utility bed and one 2022 Ford F-350 Super Cab 4×2 Diesel Truck with utility bed.
Esenwein said there was approximately $135,000 in the city’s Vehicle Internal Service Fund, and the two vehicles total $133,421.
Hoblit Motors in Colusa was the lowest responsible bidder among four other Ford dealers for the 4×4 at $70,041. Fairfield Ford was the lowest bid for the 4×2 at $63,380.
The council last week also approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-550 Super Duty Dual Rear Wheel Diesel Truck with utility bed and crane for the sewer division. The cost for the truck is $153,161 and will be purchased from Rod DuPratt Ford, which was the lowest bid.
The funds for the truck will come from the sewer enterprise fund, officials said.
“Public Works completed thorough and detailed research on a crane truck that would suit the needs of the sewer division and specified a utility bed with a crane that could lift 7,500 pounds and has a reach of 30 feet,” said Esenwein, who also looked at and solicited bids for Dodge 5500.
Esenwein also received approval for the purchase of a 2022 Mahindra 2665 tractor from Beeler Tractor, who provided the lowest bid at $45,726. He also sought bids for Kubota and New Holland.
The cost of the tractor will be divided between the general fund ($30,000) and the remainder from the sewer fund.
The Council in January approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F650 Super Duty Dump Truck, which has been acquired, along with a dozer blade and auto grader attachment.
The dump truck, which replaced a 1982 GMC 7000, cost $97,055, and came from Hoblit Ford, the lowest responsible bidder.
The 40-year-old GMC required significant maintenance to keep in operation and did not meet current emissions standards, Esenwein said. ■