Lethbridge County pre-approves fleet budget

Lethbridge County ’s fleet replacement for 2020 includes two graders, and emergency services vehicle and mowers.

During their regular Dec. 19 meeting, Lethbridge County council reviewed the 2020 fleet capital budget.

While an interim operating budget was approved in December 2019, and the 2020 capital and operating budgets are to be approved later this year, the the Fleet Services department requested that council pre-approves the 2020 Fleet Capital Budget.

“What I would like to do is to be able to do is send out RFPs and RFQs for the different pieces of equipment that we are looking to purchase for 2020,” said Jeremy Wickson, director of public operations for the county.

“Sometimes with the purchasing with graders and other heavy equipment, there is a three-to-four-month lag essentially in the delivery time from factory to when it actually lands in Alberta.

“That would tie in, essentially at this point, right when we begin our spring maintenance activities in April.”

If council pre-approves the fleet capital budget, it would allow the county to have an earlier start on the ordering process for the equipment, so they can have it by the time they start their spring maintenance, which typically begins in April, although some activities can begin as early as March.

According to the Fleet Budget under 2020 Capital Purchases, the county seeks to add a Construction Grader MG-042, Spray Patching Truck, small compaction equipment including a trench packer, jumping jacks and plate tamper, and a SnowWing for Plow Truck to their fleet. Scheduled replacements for 2020 include a Divisional Grader MG-043, TR156 Emergency Services Vehicle, TM-004 and TM-005 15′ Schulte XH500 Mowers, TR-0135 w/ 3/4 Truck, TR-0133 w/ 1/2 Truck, RM-227 Riding Mower and Skid Steer.

Coun. Klaas Vander Veen asked if the equipment doesn’t come in on time, if they would still be okay with the equipment they have to do their work. Wickson said they could use the equipment they still have.