Russell City Council Authorizes Electric Department to Purchase Bucket Truck
The Russell City Council met Tuesday and authorized the City of Russell Electric Department to purchase a 2025 Terex Optima HR55 bucket truck for the quoted price of $313,152.40 to include an extended warranty.
According to Electric Utility Director Dave Sturgeon, E51, a 2007 International AM55E bucket truck with a 60-foot boom and two-man bucket, has reached the end of its useful life. Sturgeon reached out for quotes to replace the truck with a bucket truck with the same capabilities. The Electric Department received two quotes, one from Altec and the other from Terex.
Altec quoted a 2026 Freightliner model AM55E for $295,515. The price included the base model cost of $252,040, plus $30,515 of specific add-ons, such as compartment lights, go-lights, inverter, front bumper winch and tool circuit, and an extended warranty with a potential delivery date of April or May of 2025.
Terex quoted a 2025 Terex Optima HR55 for $313,152.40. The price included the base model cost of $269,595, plus $36,627.40 for specific add-ons, such as down lights, front bumper winch, inverter and backup camera, and an extended warranty. The unit is currently available on the lot. Sturgeon added the Terex also includes an elevator on the bucket, which allows for more maneuverability and makes up for the price difference in the quotes.
Also Tuesday, the Council approved the purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 from Lewis Ford for the price of $46,325 for the Electric Department.
According to Sturgeon, the City of Russell Electric Department was looking to replace a vehicle within its fleet, a 1995 Ford F-250. Sturgeon sent out for quotes and received three from Brogden, Hays Chevrolet and Lewis Ford in Hays. They quoted the following pickups: Brogden a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 for $62,640.90, Lewis Ford a 2024 Ford F-150 for $46,325 and Hays Chevrolet a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 for $56,372.
And also Tuesday, the Council accepted a flooring repair bid from Centennial Flooring in the amount $18,584.55 to commence repairs within the Deines Cultural Center.
According to City staff, in January of this year, the Deines Cultural Center basement flooded due to a neighboring property's broken water pipe. The flooding caused damage to the elevator, basement floors and walls. An insurance claim was submitted for the damage. Staff is proceeding with sheetrock repairs. The City received an insurance payment for total damages in the amount of $43,506.04.
(Information courtesy City of Russell.)