Rexburg council approves purchase of sanitation truck, authorizes budget amendment

Rexburg City Council on May 15 approved bids for a new residential sanitation truck and authorized staff to amend the budget to cover the difference between bid price and the current appropriation.

Public works staff reported a chassis bid of $152,019 (Battleaxe Motors) and a body bid of $182,572.89 (SWS Equipment), for a total low bid of $334,591.89. Staff told the council the last truck purchase was substantially lower and that the city’s current budget for this unit was below the new combined bid, so a budget amendment was necessary.

A council member moved to approve the sanitation bid and allow the city to amend the budget up to the stated amount; another council member seconded the motion. The council voted 'Aye' with no recorded opposition and the motion passed. Staff cautioned that lead times for such trucks are long—possibly 12 to 18 months or more—and said payments are staged (payment when chassis ships to the body vendor and again at completion).

The city will proceed with procurement and the planned budget adjustment; staff said the payment schedule means the city will likely retain funds until the vehicle vendor invoices as the truck is produced and completed.