Reno County authorizes District 8 to seek used brush truck up to $90,000

The Reno County Commission on Oct. 31 authorized District 8 to seek and, subject to county staff approvals, purchase a used or demo brush truck at a cost not to exceed $90,000.

District 8 Chief Lyndon Rupp told commissioners the department sought a used vehicle to supplement its fleet after repeated mechanical troubles with Brush 893, including transmission overheating and engine cooling problems. Rupp said the new unit would be held as a supplement until replacement was necessary and that the district prefers a one‑ton "dually" for added stability when carrying equipment over varied terrain.

Rupp said the purchase would come from the district’s special equipment fund, which he reported has about $164,000. Commissioners pressed on vehicle specifications and mutual‑aid considerations — noting the value of having different sized trucks for varied access — and staff outlined procurement options to allow timely purchases of used inventory that dealers may not hold long.

The motion approved by the commission authorizes District 8 to make commitments to purchase a used/demo brush truck not to exceed $90,000, with subsequent budget approval by the county administrator and review by the county counselor where appropriate. The commission did not record detailed roll call tallies in the available transcript; the motion was approved during the meeting.

County staff said the district will return to the commission with the purchase details if the identified unit exceeds the approved cap or does not meet specifications.