North Judson Plans Dump Truck Replacement

Posted on August 19, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI 

The Town of North Judson is hoping to save some money by purchasing a refurbished dump truck, rather than a new one.

Town Superintendent Marshall Horstmann told the town council Monday that an increasing number of maintenance issues have caused him to look into potential replacements for the town’s International truck. “I found a company that buys used trucks then rebuilds them to the specs of a buyer,” he said. “I gave them a list of the items I’d like to have on a truck. I got a quote for a 2009 International 4300. I’ve checked with new truck prices built the way we would like, and it’d be roughly $100,000 for a brand new one.”

The town council gave permission for town officials to travel to Holt & Sons Truck Sales in Gardner, Illinois to look at the vehicle. However, council member John Rowe encouraged Horstmann to seek additional bids before buying the dump truck. Rowe noted that many of the items the town’s requesting will be available no matter what. “It looks like you’ve got new stuff on here: an $8,200 plow and a $16,500 dump,” Rowe said. “Those are new. So really, the only thing we’re concerned with is the 2009 dump truck, which is $21,000. So how hard would it be to find that $21,000 dump truck? Basically, you’re saying that’s the big question.”

Council President Wendy Hoppe suggested that Horstmann see if Holt & Sons would hold the truck for three weeks, to give the town time to make a decision. Horstmann said there’s enough money to the town’s motor equipment budget to cover the purchase.