Russell City Council Approves Purchase of Two Pickups for Water, Street Departments

The Russell City Council met Tuesday and approved the purchase of two new pickups for the City of Russell's water and street departments.

According to City staff, the City's water improvement fund and the equipment reserve fund had replacement pickup trucks scheduled for 2022 to replace a 2005 Ford in the water department and a 1995 Ford in the street department.

Bids were sent with two bids received, all meeting the minimum specifications, from the following dealers for a 2023 4x4 extended cab pickup: Long McArthur in the amount of $47,080, Lewis Automotive in the amount of $41,775, Hays Chevrolet no bid, Robert Brogden's Motor no bid and Marmie's no bid.

City of Russell Public Works Director Rich Krause said the City only received two bids because of supply chain issues, saying the dealerships that didn't submit bids were looking at a delivery time of at least 18 months.

The 1995 Ford from the street department and the 2005 Ford from water distribution will be sold at public auction.

Krause explained each of the current pickups' condition.

The Council approved the low bid from Lewis Automotive Group of Hays for two 2023 Ford F-150 Extended Cab XL 4x4 pickup trucks as presented.

The motion to purchase the pickups passed four to three with Councilmembers Mitch Driscoll, Andrea Garland, Blaine Stoppel and Lonnie Whitten voting yes and Dustin Madden, Aaron Talbott and Monty Morrill voting no. Councilmember Michelle Wagner Schneider was absent.

Also Tuesday, the Council approved updated personnel policy guidelines and a 2021 audit report.