Rosebud County approves $254,201 roll‑off truck after transmission and gear‑ratio discussion

The Chair said the board approved a bid to purchase a roll‑off truck for $254,201.14 at the Rosebud County weekly meeting on June 18, after members discussed transmission type and gear‑ratio choices.

The matter came before the board with a single bid recorded in the transcript for a Mac Granite 84 FR. A presenter clarified that the truck uses an automated‑manual transmission (described in the transcript as an "automatic manual"), and urged selecting that option because it reduces driver workload and may lower long‑term maintenance needs. The Chair and a committee member signaled agreement with the transmission choice.

The presenter proposed changing the factory gear ratio from 3.91 to 3.73 to lower highway RPMs — saying it would reduce cruising RPM from about 1,650 into the mid‑1,400s while retaining the ability to reach highway speeds and to start under heavy load. "By dropping that ... that will get us in a more favorable economy wise, ratio," the presenter said. The presenter added that the truck would "still be able to get the 70 miles an hour" and would maintain starting ability with heavy loads.

Committee members discussed two transmission options and said the automated‑manual (M drive) would be easier on drivers and could save parts over time. The presenter said the order would be submitted with the M drive transmission and noted a possible mismatch in how the written spec labels the options.

After no further discussion, the Chair called the question and the motion to approve the bid carried with ayes recorded.

The meeting record does not specify the bidder company name beyond a phrasing in the transcript indicating a single bid was submitted, nor does it provide detailed delivery timing beyond the transcript language, which was unclear. The board did not record additional conditions or amendments to the purchase in the transcript.