(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

motor matters

Unforseen truck expense for City of Melfort

Feb 11, 2020 | 8:29 AM

There’s been an unforeseen expense with one of the City of Melfort’s three-quarter ton trucks. It could amount to at least $15,000 and may have an impact on the budget.

Mainly the truck is used for snow removal in the winter, and some other hauling type jobs. It has been out of commission for about five weeks, but thanks to Mother Nature, there hasn’t been much effect to the city for the time being.

“Based on the fact that we haven’t had a lot of snow, and snow removal, so it’s been good timing in that way,” Mayor Rick lang told northeastNOW. “So, it hasn’t impacted any of our services so far.”

At the Regular Council Meeting on Monday, Feb. 10, council approved to hand the truck over to a local service provider to diagnose the issue and repair. According to Lang, it’s an engine problem.There were two options for the truck: one is a complete engine replacement – which would cost more due to the need to retrofit the frame of the truck – while the other is, hopefully, a fix. The expected cost of the latter is expected to be over $15,000 according to files northeastNOW received from the city.

When it comes to the cost of the repair Lang said they hope to fit it into the current budget later. However, if they are unable to do so, there is the possibility of some rate increases later in the year. Lang said the city treasurer looks at things throughout the year to make sure Melfort is on budget, if not, things such as water rates can go up to help bring the budget back.

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“Typically we don’t adjust them for unforeseen budget expenses,” Lang said. “But it’s possible that we could, if we have to.”

The cost right now for the repair could change after the diagnosis of the issue. The truck was purchased new back in 2009, and Lang said usually they last longer that this, but there’s a problem with it and they must deal with that.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6