MILLBROOK — Village trustees approved the purchase of a new gasoline-powered option at a special meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, after officials determined an 18-year-old diesel-powered pickup truck was nearing the end of its useful life.
At a July special meeting, Highway Supervisor Ethan Kelly outlined the need to replace the village’s 2008 Ford F550 truck where repair costs would have exceeded the truck’s actual value. The 2008 truck has been used for fall leaf pick-up and it has served as a reserve plow truck in winter.
Early estimates predicted a cost of around $122,000 for a diesel-powered truck, but Kelly reported that switching to a gasoline-powered model with a stainless steel dump body would reduce the estimate to $109,000 for the truck and its “upfits.” Kelly added that the cost for oil changes on a gasoline-powered truck will be half the cost of that for diesel.
The diesel option has been favored in past truck purchases, Kelly noted, for its longevity and increased hauling power.
Delivery would be expected within 12 to 14 weeks of the order, Kelly said.
The vote on the purchase was unanimous. Mayor Peter Doro indicated that as a next step the Town Clerk will invite and collect bank financing bids.
