Grey Highlands council is deferring a decision to purchase a new parks and recreation vehicle to 2023 budget deliberations.
During a meeting on Dec. 21, council received a report by Director of Financial Services and Treasurer Anna McCarthy. It recommended council authorize the purchase of a nearly $78,000 vehicle to replace a 2011 Ford Escape, which has been deemed unfit and unreliable.
The report says the 2022 capital request was for a work van, which is more appropriate compared to an SUV in transporting tools and equipment for rugged terrain staff must access. It was then determined a pickup truck would meet the requirements of the department and a tender was issued on Aug. 22.
By the Sept. 12 closing date, no bids were received, and staff reached out to a number of dealerships for quotations for the vehicle they were looking for. Four were received ranging from $77,850 to $82,231.
The lowest submission received of $77,850 was for a 2023 Ram 2500 Crew Cab 4×4, with a delivery date of between six to eight months.
The 2022 capital budget included $45,000 for a facilities vehicle, and funding for the vehicle was proposed to be funded through the Asset Management Reserve.
Coun. Joel Loughead mentioned how through a quick Google search he was able to identify other potential vehicles which would be able to accomplish what the department needs.
“It just seems to me we have the opportunity to make a smarter purchase here,” says Loughead.
“The vehicle is not purchased just for what it’s doing necessarily today, but maybe for a plan or future use as we move the municipality forward. There will be other stuff that needs done, so I think what the plan was, was to ensure this vehicle can move and transport equipment as maybe needed not necessarily now but also in the future,” says Director of Environmental Services Shawn Moyer.
Moyer confirms there are other vehicles in the municipality’s fleet capable of transporting trailers, but are in use by other departments and often busy.
“The van I believe, was looking to be sourced as a purchase for moving tools and stuff around. Whereas this truck, I don’t know for sure, but in talks with some of the staff, I think they are looking at putting a large cap on it so it would also do the double duty that they can have the tools and equipment in there and staff to pull the trailer to do their work more efficiently,” says Moyer.
Budget deliberations are set for Jan. 13, 20, and 25 all from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
