Commission approves $50,000 truck allocation and accepts $125,000 solid-waste grant for new garbage truck

Van Buren County commissioners approved two separate actions affecting county fleet and solid-waste equipment.

On a motion approved by roll call, the commission authorized moving $50,000 from the fund balance for truck purchases after discussion about whether to buy new or reliable used vehicles. The recorded vote was reported as six in favor and four opposed after one commissioner changed a prior vote.

Separately, solid-waste officials told the commission they had been awarded a $125,000 state grant toward purchasing a new garbage truck; earlier procurement estimates put a truck near $224,600. Commissioners voted to accept the grant and to match funding—planning to use roughly $100,000 from the fund balance (less expected proceeds from selling the old truck). Members asked the solid-waste committee to review motor selection (diesel brand concerns were raised) before final procurement.

Supporters argued a new truck with grant support would address a failing vehicle that had been in service for years; opponents urged exploring used, reliable options to reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Next steps: solid-waste committee to vet motor choice and procurement terms, and finance staff to process the fund-balance transfer once procurement is authorized.