The city council, led by Mayor Brian Ader, reviewed plans to replace aging utility vehicles during their latest meeting. The council discussed purchasing a 2024 Ford F-250 and ordering two 2025 RAM 2500 trucks to address the deteriorating fleet. The utility director outlined the condition of three 20-year-old trucks, noting two are in poor shape. He recommended purchasing the Ford F-250 for $45,575 immediately and ordering the RAM trucks at $51,909 each, with a 90-120 day delivery timeline. The Loogootee council also discussed snow plow needs. Two existing plows could be refurbished to equip the new trucks. The city plans to replace older rubber-blade plows with steel ones for better performance. The motion to proceed with the F-250 purchase and the RAM truck orders, pending budget approval, was unanimously approved. Discussions on leasing versus outright purchases will continue in future sessions.
