January Committee Meeting

Article Summary: The Roads & Bridges Committee approved the purchase of a 2027 Western Star dump truck, utilizing a loan from the county’s Coal Royalty Fund to bypass supply chain delays.

Highway Equipment Key Points:

• Vehicle Purchase: The committee approved purchasing a 2027 Western Star 47X Tandem Dump Truck with snow plow and spreader for an amount not to exceed $300,000.

• Funding Strategy: The purchase will be funded by a loan from Coal Fund 375, to be repaid by the Highway Department by Jan. 1, 2027.

• Urgency: County Engineer Cody Greenwood noted that ordering now is necessary due to long lead times; the truck will not be invoiced until late 2026.

The Montgomery County Highway Department will modernize its fleet with a new heavy-duty truck following approval from the Roads & Bridges Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

County Engineer Cody Greenwood requested authorization to purchase a 2027 Western Star 47X Tandem Dump Truck, complete with a snow plow and tailgate spreader. The total cost is not to exceed $300,000.

To finance the purchase, the committee recommended a resolution allowing the Highway Department to borrow the funds from Coal Fund 375. The resolution stipulates that the Highway Department must repay the loan from its own funds (Fund 225) prior to Jan. 1, 2027.

During the Finance & Budget Committee meeting the following day, Greenwood explained the timing of the request. He stated that ordering the truck immediately is crucial because it will not be invoiced until September or October. He also warned that vehicle prices are expected to increase significantly for the next model year due to tariffs and new emissions requirements.

The committee also recommended approval of a 50/50 culvert replacement project on Schoolhouse Avenue in Fillmore Consolidated Township. The total project cost is estimated at $24,000, with the county covering half.