One of the most problematic vehicles in the City of Manteca’s public works fleet is being replaced.

The facilities service truck was  bought new in 2008.

Given it has racked up 325,000 miles with 20,588 hours of operating time on the motor, it is understandable why it is in the shop frequently for costly repairs.

It is one of the city’s oldest vehicles and is symbolic of how the city has been pushing much of its vehicles and equipment way beyond their expected useful life due to the ongoing struggle with adequate revenue.

The purchase of the truck is being made not with the prospect of being reimbursed with future Measure Q sales tax receipts, but because of cost savings staff was able to secure.

The city’s current budget had funding set aside to buy a needed articulating boom truck with utility bed for a total not-to-exceed amount of $300,000.  The Fleet Division was able to purchase one at a lower cost on a local sales lot in the amount of $171,633.58, due to the  original buyer withdrawing.

That saved the city $128,366.42,  which would be enough to complete the upfit of the vehicle and to purchase an additional replacement service truck for the Public Works Facilities Division.

 The 20-year temporary three-quarter cent sales tax voters approved in November goes into effect April 1.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com