By Andrew Martins
Staff Writer
JACKSON – The replacement of five trucks for the Jackson Department of Public Works, totaling more than $987,000, has been approved by the Township Council.
The purchases are part of three separate contracts for a 2016 four-wheel drive articulated wheel loader with three option packages from Groff Tractor NJ, LLC, ($218,983); three single-axle dump trucks from Hunter Jersey Peterbilt ($478,380); and one roll-off truck with accessories from Hunter Jersey Peterbilt ($289,845).
Municipal officials sought for bids for the vehicles in May. Other bidders were H.A. DeHart & Son Inc. and Trius Inc.
Business Administrator Helene Schlegel said the new vehicles will boost the DPW’s overall effectiveness since they will replace “old and tired equipment.”
She said the purchases are part of an ongoing capital replacement plan aimed at improving existing services. Schlegel said the cost of the vehicles has been accounted for in Jackson’s 2013, 2014 and 2015 capital budgets.
“[The plan was made] so as not to incur expenses and burden taxpayers all at once,” she said. “The plan allows equipment replacement to be extended over a period of years.”