Township buys truck locally

Cramahe Township Council has responded to an initiative taken by Public Works Director, Barry Thrasher.

The director had planned to budget for a new pickup in 2010 but saw that current prices are very low. In his oral report to council the director suggested trucks were now being discounted by $8,500 or more. He went out and got three written quotes on two-wheel and four-wheel drive pickups and presented them to council. Even though the township hadn’t budgeted for the $27,283 expense, it decided it was too good a deal to let go by.

Money for the vehicle to be bought from Johnston Motors in Colborne will be taken from the vehicle reserves.

It cost the township about $350 to buy locally. The lowest quote came from Thomas Motors. McKeen Chrysler was the highest fo the three who responded to Mr. Thrasher's request.

When asked about the need for a four-wheel drive vehicle, Mr. Thrasher stated most municipalities go that way now. He added that 95% of the time he's fine with his two-wheel drive truck.

The new vehicle will replace the 1999 model now used by the Community Services Department. It has already cost the township about $3,000 in repairs in 2009.

Because Mr. Thrasher had gotten three written quotes council felt there was no need to put out tenders.