Council authorizes $750,000 funding package to secure two automated garbage trucks

Council reviewed options to finance two automated garbage trucks needed to refresh the sanitation fleet.

Director Kevin outlined two financing proposals: Holman Capital (5.549% with $4,000 startup fee and roughly $130,000 annual payment) and Government Capital (7-year option at about 5.859% with a $7,000 buy fee and roughly $132,215 annual payment). Staff recommended option 1 and sought council authorization to secure funding of $750,000 to cover a truck and a near-term replacement. "We looked at options to fund $750,000," Kevin said, explaining the package would allow staff to procure an available used/demo truck or to place an order (new trucks can carry 18-month lead times).

Councilors questioned whether the city could get by with one truck for now; staff said it was possible but opportunistic procurement favored securing both if available. The council voted to approve option 1 to pursue the financing; staff clarified that actual truck purchases will return to council for separate authorization once specific vehicles are identified.

Next steps: staff will secure the financing authorization, continue vehicle searches and present purchases to council for final approval when trucks are identified.