Hot Springs outlines 2026 fleet and heavy‑equipment replacements totaling budgeted purchases

Public Works Director Ron reviewed a package of budgeted equipment replacements slated for 2026 and recommended award or purchase under cooperative purchasing programs. He said the items are replacements for aging units and all were included in the 2026 budget.

On two pickup trucks (resolution R2605) Ron reported the dealer delivered Dodge Rams instead of the specified Ford F‑150s; the dealer offered a $3,500 discount per truck and fleet inspected the vehicles and recommended acceptance. "They were not Ford F‑150s. They were actually Dodge Rams," Ron said.

Other items presented included a Caterpillar CB1.7 paving and compaction roller for $36,999 (R2606), a lowboy trailer for $73,883.61 (R2607), a MAC cab‑over tractor with attachments for $166,959.77 (R2608), a Caterpillar 315 excavator for $256,822 (R2609), a Caterpillar D5 dozer for $426,977 (R2610), and two grapple trucks with attachments for $453,213.30 (R2611). Ron noted the replaced vehicles will be turned over to fleet for auction when retired.

Directors asked whether purchases would be financed; staff replied street equipment will be financed while stormwater purchases will not, and the finance director confirmed the plan. The board will consider these resolutions at its Jan. 6, 2026 meeting; packet materials should be consulted for vendor contracts and financing terms.