Every five years, the Town of Oakfield replaces one of its plow trucks. This year, the town board decided to keep it local and asked Highway Superintendent Alan Dennis to explore the idea of having the new truck built by Viking Cives.
The truck company moved to a location on Judge Road in Oakfield several years ago.
"We thought that was important to support the local economy and business located right here in town," Dennis said.
The $228,000 plow truck replaces a 15-year-old plow and is state-of-the-art, Dennis said. The computer controls are LCD lit and touch control. Using a joy stick, the truck driver can operate all of the truck's functions as a one-man-operation.
Supervisor Mike Cianfrini said with Viking's solid reputation for quality and service, it was really a simple choice to go with the local company.
"From the town perspective we wanted to support a business in our community," Cianfrini said. "They've been a great neighbor, supporting a lot of activities within Oakfield and we thought the least we could do is support them."
The town took delivery of the truck today and plow truck operator Mike Schultz, pictured below, couldn't wait to get in the new machine and drive it off to the town's garage.
How does a town, city, or any
How does a town, city, or any government agency spend $228,000 without accepting bids?
Is it legal?
What most people do not
What most people do not understand about funding government equipment is the 'LOWEST BID' is not always sole determining factor in purchase, Plow Trucks, police cars, fire apparatus etc. FUNCTIONALITY and operating cost are quite often more important factors. And yes, local business support is often a consideration.
And where if anywhere did anyone say that other companies did not bid or were not consulted.
Some times, and very often, the lowest purchase cost will result in higher operating and maintenance cost which trump the lowest bid.
Just sayin
Nice decal....
Nice decal....
AWESOME! Brudz? Olsen? Allen?
AWESOME! Brudz? Olsen? Allen? You GOTTA chime in!
Assuming this contract is even CLOSE in cost vs. true value, I applaud Mr.Dennis and Mr. Cianfrini in this decision!
Keep our money local! What a friggin concept!
@tim raines: If this purchase was $50K cheaper from a Chinese or Mexican company you would prefer that??!!!
Or maybe saving 25K by going to PA?
How about going to a nearby county to save 10K?
It is a great thing Bob. But
It is a great thing Bob. But there's really not much to say. I have been in the truck equipment business for 23 years now and Viking Cives is a main supplier to municipalities, counties and NY state. It's pretty much all they do. It's usually down to 3 or 4 companies who build this type of plow. It's not something that there are a whole lot of options to choose from. I'm sure it went through a proper bid process, you gotta think that the guys at Viking wanted to make sure they won the bid. They probably wouldn't want to look at another brand of plow going past their shop every day. Congratulations to both Viking Cives and the Town of Oakfield
Yes Bob, I will chime in. As
Yes Bob, I will chime in. As an Oakfield resident I hope this becomes not only a normal operating procedure but an example for other local municipalities. And everybody keep looking for the "36" on your milk!