COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa City Council approved the purchase of a new vacuum truck for the city’s Water and Sewer Division during its March 3 meeting, authorizing a sole-source agreement with GapVax for the specialized equipment.
The truck will cost $699,924.57 and will be fully funded through grant revenues, meaning no general fund money will be used for the purchase.
City Manager Jesse Cain said the new equipment will support critical maintenance operations for the city’s water and wastewater systems. Vacuum trucks are used for a variety of tasks including sewer main cleaning, hydro-excavation, lift station and manhole cleaning, emergency sewer blockage response and storm drain maintenance.
The vehicle can also assist crews in locating underground utilities and performing excavation work related to the water system.
According to the staff report presented to council, the city’s current vacuum truck has reached the end of its service life and has become increasingly costly to maintain. Replacement of the equipment has been part of the city’s long-term infrastructure and fleet planning efforts for several years.
City staff recommended purchasing the truck through a sole-source agreement rather than issuing a traditional request for proposals due to the specialized nature of the equipment. The report notes that vacuum trucks vary significantly in performance, configuration and durability, and the city requires a specific design that meets its operational needs.
Staff also indicated that a broader bidding process could result in proposals that technically meet minimum requirements but do not provide the long-term functionality needed for Colusa’s maintenance operations. After reviewing multiple manufacturers and configurations, staff determined that GapVax offered the most cost-effective option while meeting the city’s specifications.
The new truck will include a combination jet and vacuum system mounted on a Western Star chassis. The unit will feature a debris tank, a 1,500-gallon stainless steel water tank and specialized pumps, hoses and controls designed for municipal sewer and water maintenance work.
City officials said replacing the aging equipment will improve emergency response capability, reduce downtime and repair costs, and increase efficiency for routine system maintenance. The new equipment is also expected to improve safety for city employees while supporting compliance with environmental and public health regulations.