Board approves $43,150 purchase of mechanic service truck for roads department

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a replacement mechanic/service truck for the County Roads Department during its March meeting.

Jason Schultz, Lincoln County highway superintendent, told commissioners the existing service truck has high mileage and weakening engine components and that staff evaluated multiple quotes and inspected several vehicles. After field visits and condition checks, the department recommended a 2016 F-550 crew cab 4x4 diesel from Big City Motors of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, at a purchase price of $43,150.

It's something we planned on. We have it built into our budget,' Schultz said while describing the selection and the process of review.

Board members discussed the merits of crew cab versus single-cab chassis, resale prospects for the old vehicle, and the tradeoffs between lower purchase price and potential repair costs. Commissioners noted staff had reviewed several options, driven candidate trucks and taken mileage and condition into account, and that the chosen vehicle met equipment and four-wheel-drive needs for county operations.

A motion to approve the recommended purchase was made, seconded and carried on roll call. Commissioners confirmed the purchase was within the department's budget and under the county's bidding threshold for formal sealed bids.

County staff said they will take the necessary steps to complete the purchase and transfer the service body from the existing unit as planned. The roads department expects to realize operational benefits from the newer chassis and the four-wheel-drive capability on county projects.