Knox Board of Works Members Consider New Vehicle Purchase

The Knox Board of Works members considered requests for new vehicles during their meeting on Wednesday.

Water Superintendent Todd Gardner explained that he is looking to purchase a new service truck. He said he is about 10 years behind in getting a new truck as funds weren’t available. He wants to replace a 1989 truck that no longer runs efficiently. He obtained three quotes for a service truck with a service truck from Schepel in Merrillville, Bill Estes in Indianapolis and Gates in South Bend. Schepel gave him the lowest quote at $40,640 for a ¾-ton GMC truck with a service body. Tool boxes may be added that could cost approximately $1,000 extra.

Gardner said he did attempt to get a quote from local dealerships. He noted the dealerships don’t purchase a lot of these types of vehicles and wouldn’t be able to give a competitive quote.

Gardner said there are specs that he wants to be sure that are included in the purchase, but is confident that the truck from Schepel will meet the needs of the department. He won’t take possession of the vehicle for a couple of months as it will be built.

The board members reviewed the budget and determined that the purchase can be made without problems out of the water department budget. They approved the purchase not to exceed $42,000.

Photo provided by Todd Gardner