Highway Department to Purchase Two Trucks for $615,000

December 2025 Committee Meeting

Article Summary: Committees approved the purchase of two new Western Star tandem dump trucks for the Highway Department to replace aging vehicles. The total cost for the two vehicles exceeds $600,000, funded through a mix of Highway and Coal funds.

Equipment Purchase Key Points:

• New Fleet: The county will purchase two 2027 Western Star 47X Tandem Dump Trucks equipped with snow plows and tailgate spreaders.

• Cost: One truck is capped at $315,000 (Highway Funds) and the second at $300,000 (Coal Funds).

• Replacements: The new trucks will replace a 2003 International and a 2007 International.

• Energy Savings: The Highway Department reported a 54% reduction in energy consumption over the last year due to solar panel installation.

The Montgomery County Board’s Roads and Bridges Committee met on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and approved significant updates to the county’s snow removal fleet.

County Engineer Cody Greenwood introduced resolutions to purchase two 2027 Western Star 47X Tandem Dump Trucks. Both vehicles will come equipped with snow plows and tailgate spreaders. The committee approved a resolution to purchase the first truck using Highway Funds for an amount not to exceed $315,000. A second resolution authorized the purchase of an identical truck using Coal Funds for an amount not to exceed $300,000.

These purchases are intended to replace the department’s oldest vehicles, a 2003 International and a 2007 International. The 2007 model will be retained as a spare, while the department aims to maintain six newer trucks for the county’s six snow routes. The Finance Committee subsequently reviewed and approved the coal fund expenditure during their January 8 meeting.

Roads and Bridges Committee News Briefs:

• Fillmore Road Flooding: The committee recommended approving a $25,000 preliminary engineering agreement with Hurst-Rosche for improvements to East 24th Road in Fillmore Consolidated Township. The project aims to raise the roadbed to prevent routine flooding along the creek bottom.

• Walshville Trail Update: Engineer Greenwood reported receiving a preliminary engineering agreement for Walshville Trail improvements. A final draft is expected by late February, with construction tentatively slated for 2027 or 2028, depending on right-of-way access.

• Nokomis Road Transfer: Discussions continue regarding the potential transfer of the existing county road on E. Union Street to the City of Nokomis. The plan involves improving the road to Route 16 to divert truck traffic from city streets.

• Rock Letting Bids: The committee accepted low bids as presented for the 2026 Township and County MFT rock letting.