In one of the largest such expenditures in the city’s history at one time, the Palm Coast City Council on Tuesday gave its approval for spending $6.2 million to buy 69 vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment for various departments, including three fire trucks.
The equipment and vehicles include dump trucks, lift trucks, gator carts, mowers, golf carts, pick-up trucks, skidsteers, about 30 Ford pick-up trucks of the F-150, F-550 and F-750 variety, totaling $2 million and for the fire department, a brush attack truck valued at $168,000 and two pumpers, each valued at $629,000.
A small portion of the equipment will be paid out of the utility, solid waste, stormwater and building funds, which maintain accounts separate from the general fund and generate revenue through fees, so they don’t impact property taxes. But the majority of the cost is borne by general fund dollars.
“We pay specific attention to the vehicles and the equipment that have met or exceeded their expected estimated useful life,” Kevin Brinkley, a public works coordinator, told council members. “This year we inspected over 181 items that had met that criteria. After that inspection, any fleet vehicles and or equipment that were determined to need replacement have been included in this fiscal year ’23 fleet replacement schedule for the upcoming budget year. In addition to the replacements, new fleet vehicles and equipment are also included in the fleet fund budget for fiscal year ’23.” He recommended replacing 43 “assets” (the term applied either to vehicles or heavy equipment), four vehicles for the fire department, and the purchase of 26 net new “assets.”
The original plan was to replace 46 assets and buy 30 new ones. The administration trimmed that down to 43 and 26, for a total of 69. The city is using different methods to buy the vehicles and equipment, including piggy-backing on other government agencies’ contracts to take advantage of lower prices.
Two new Mack dump trucks–replacing older ones–will cost nearly $200,000 each. One will go to the stormwater department (which maintains your swales and ditches, among other things), the other will go to the utility department. A Gradall with a scoop attached to a long crane, also for the stormwater department, will cost nearly $500,000. Two Massey Ferguson tractors will cost nearly $100,000 each. The city is acquiring a new sewer cleaner truck for nearly $600,000.
Most of the Ford pick-ups’ costs range between $28,000 and $63,000 each, with F-550s and F-750s costing between $107,000 and $150,000 each. Those trucks will go to code enforcement, the streets and pavement division, stormwater, and utilities.
Pumper trucks are standard frontline firetrucks used in fighting fires. Attack trucks are used in wildfires. The city does not usually buy more than one fire truck every so many years, relying on a reserve fund that accumulates dollars over time to pay for them. “This makes up a gap experience in the fleet replacement fund due to market conditions for fire trucks,” incoming Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill told the council. “This market is so demand heavy that we are seeing a two year gap between placing our order and receiving the apparatus. Our fleet department has performed an analysis of the equipment in question and making this investment now prevents further investment in apparatus that has reached a tipping point, from a reliability perspective.”
The entire presentation of the fleet-replacement item took a mere three or four minutes, with no details about the purchases or why, in addition to the replacements of older equipment, the city was buying additional, new vehicles. None of the council members asked a single question about the program and the coming expenditure, though the presentation was spart of the same budget outline that led to the council discussing whether it should approve next year’s property tax rate, and at what level.
Four council members, led by the mayor, agreed to keep next year’s tax rate equal to this year’s, which will equate to a tax increase of 15 percent. They justified the approach by citing the need to maintain quality of life for residents and to keep up with demands on city services. Only one council member objected. None focused on the fleet-replacement program, which alone would account for a significant part of those demands on the budget.
“Our staff and our management have done a tremendous job ensuring that we’re running a very tight ship around here,” Council member Nick Klufas said, speaking generally about the budget toward the end of the presentations. “We have been for years and it’s incredible that we continue to get this level of service out of the budget that we have.”
All is not said yet: the presentations were part of a workshop, where the council signaled its direction but did not take any votes. There are two public hearings ahead, on Sept. 8 and Sept. 21, when the council will vote to adopt the proposed budget and next fiscal year’s property tax rate. See: “Between Garfield and Reagan, Palm Coast OK’s 15% Tax Increase, Claiming It for Good of Future Residents.”
The Fleet Replacement Program by Line-Item:
fleet-replacement
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Duane says
Post Coast leadership thinks we are living in Naples.
Jimbo99 says
Looks like the existing tax base of a population is picking up the tab for the city & county growth that nobody really wanted in the 1st place.
Jonathan says
This now explains why Alfin is raising City of PC property taxes. We can’t wait to vote these spread thrifts out of office.
Nephew of Uncle Sam says
“The entire presentation of the fleet-replacement item took a mere three or four minutes, with no details about the purchases or why, in addition to the replacements of older equipment, the city was buying additional, new vehicles. None of the council members asked a single question about the program and the coming expenditure,”
You would think at least one question would have been raised by our “Council”. I would ask what’s the age of the 43 vehicles (assets) that are being replaced and what’s the justification for purchasing 26 New ones? Also will the new trucks have turn signals? Rarely do I see Palm Coast trucks use signals for turning or switching lanes.
Justsayin says
Looks to me the city did an excellent job on their replacement program. E one is here in Florida, instead of Pierce which is overpriced. Going with the Ford Maverick Hybrid was an excellent choice also with 42 MPG city. Gradeall is expensive and a mechanical nightmare, but you have no other choice. The city tried the wheeled excavator years ago, that did not last long. I am surprised the Mack was the most cost-effective dump truck, but prices of manufacturers always change over time.
I still think the city should look at bringing Sanitation in house. Anyone remember Florida Water? The city took that over and service improved every year after.
I’m Justsayin
Tim says
Why does the city need a brush attack truck valued at $168,000 ? Glad we are paying double for fire.
Peter Chichitano says
Maybe they will use some of these resources to repair the Broken infrastructure , after all we as tax payers are paying for both. I have watched this city digress for the last 37 years, time to move on…
Flatsflyer says
Fire trucks get more mileage on them going to Publix than going to fires!
James says
“… I still think the city should look at bringing Sanitation in house. …”
For a brief moment there when I saw the associated picture that accompanied the article, I thought I’d read they had decided to do just that. Then I noticed they were just dump trucks, and started to read the article.
Too bad they don’t auction off the old pickups, I could use one.
Richard Smith says
Our palm coast government loves spending our money…
Regulator says
Now if they could get rid of the taste and smell of chlorine.
Dr Scott says
Please don’t raise our taxes.if they’re seriously going to buy all new vehicles, then
sell the old ones first and save tax from the 15% raise
Citizen says
Great job utilizing the cities fleet replacement program how it was designed. Keeping the citizens and employees safe with up to date equipment. The planned growth of the city requires this type of expenditure and it sounds like they did a wonderful job of planning for such. Thank you
Enough! says
Code enforcement already has fleets of shiny trucks. They can continue to harass the citizens in them. Jesus a little kayak leans against the back of the house you’d think I were an Enemy of the State. Vote Alfin OUT!!! Anyone go to the touch a truck event in central Park? I think Palm Coast has a more than adequate fleet of toys.
Bob J says
This concerns me. In the section where I reside the swales overflow into the streets during heavy rainfall. All the time. Water meters under water can’t be read. erosion of my lawn into swale undercut property and weeds grow. Been four years when city did swale rehab across street on odd numbered houses. City does not do adequate job on swale maintenance.
Two new Mack dump trucks–replacing older ones–will cost nearly $200,000 each. One will go to the stormwater department (which maintains your swales and ditches, among other things), the other will go to the utility department. A Gradall with a scoop attached to a long crane, also for the stormwater department, will cost nearly $500,000. Two Massey Ferguson tractors will cost nearly $100,000 each. The city is acquiring a new sewer cleaner truck for nearly $600,000.
Celia Pugliese says
They use our general fund for millions but they denied $240,000 for the two islands in Florida Park Drive as very much needed traffic calming methods that were engineered design at a very high cost study and now to the trash basket and 300,000 budget approved by Holland in 2021, https://flaglerlive.com/164771/florida-park-drive-calming/ and after we been begging for over 15 years for that traffic calming devices in Florida Park Drive to very few positive results! What about the life saving Cimarron sidewalk asked over 100 times in person and in writing by the affected adjacent residents? Why not to spend some of my general tax funds on that and build it in house less costly? I deeply resent their hand in my general fund taxes to fund “all these vehicles” and I also ask the question about the useful life term of the one’s chosen to be replaced at such a high cost! I drive a 2002 vehicle and do not have tech service in house to repair it like city has or extended warrant and still runs good and safe, saving me thousands as yet do not need to show off, specially if would with other peoples monies. Some government contracts have to really be scrutinized by the tax payers for many reasons before approved by the public forced to fund them. Is really controversial that when we ask for FPD or Cimarron request they say NO and tell us that requires a “dedicated funding” to keep systematically denying it, but when they feel like they get their hands in the general fund for anything the ones at the dais feel like right? Now we still have to endure two years of misery, including their plan to erect a 150 ft tall 5G tower 160 to 300 ft in #7 Clubhouse Drive near the Brookdale nursing home, across the street of the Carlson Park, next to the Forest Lakes and Courtney Pl communities from our homes, by city approving and “special exception” to our original residential zoning devaluating greatly the price of our homes, God knows the studies done about risking our health and ruining the pristine appearance of our area. We better unite in our opposition or one of these will be approved in the wrong location next to many homes if not stopped. These towers belong in a proper conforming parcel, (this is not as need special exception among other things) in mayor highways, industrial parks, agricultural lands or shopping malls away from houses, not next to our homes were we will be exposed 24-7 to the nuisance, devaluation of our homes (who will buy or rent a house next to them?) and over time health effects. We Protect Palm Coast Group are fighting it with all the tools available to us and so far have plead to them in city meeting and in person in our 3 minutes and in writing by email so they are very aware of our opposition as well over 300 residents will be directly affected. Please join us in case city will force us to our next step, by ignoring our pleas. We do not oppose the tower but the location!
Shawn says
Any information on how they will be disposing of the old equipment? Old equipment still has value. The proceeds of any sale should go towards paying for some of the new equipment. Every little bit helps.
Economize! says
Damn Straight, Lets get the fire dept a shuttle van like the airport hotels use so these guys can go out to lunch and keep the value depreciating miles and wear and tear off the big money rigs, You dont need diesel guzzling Engine 8 to get from the fire house to Fire House Subs for your sandwiches everyday!
IAmAMillionaireApparently says
Can’t wait to see how much everything increases around here. Localized inflation – thanks Republicans. Care to bring in some good, high-paying jobs to this town or do we still only care to court minimum wage?
A.j says
Will the expensive equipment be used properly? You all know this city has a history of wasting tax money. Time will tell.
frugal says
For far less than the fuel and depreciation there is door dash and delivery. The capitol investment emergency response vehicles are for just that, emergencies, not for a thrilling ride w/ lights on to a lunch run to a restaurant. Everybody in Palm Coast sees this is going on.
Mona says
Not bad idea at all. Actually, I love it.
Mona says
What do you think, dear Millionaire? Do they care? No. The whole Florida is upside down and backwards. Palm Coast has majority citizens who came up from somewhere , where they could sell their properties for a lot, buying for much less here and all they want is to be in the local government. Most of them don’t know what they are doing, but like to have some power. They are old, with no ideas for prosperity of this town.
Earth to Moron says
Yeah so while their getting food because they have to eat while away from their families for 72 hours they can shuttle van back to the firehouse first when there is an emergency and then respond with the truck. That’s some brilliant thinking there.
Chuck Wagon says
They are auctioned off. Usually a couple of times a year
Chuck Wagon says
Old equipment goes to auction.
Jean says
True that! Been here 19 yrs, have seen lots of waste, all this equipment is toys for guys who have no idea how to use it properly and have great paying jobs
David S. says
All I have to say is BS BS AND BS get rid of these idots including the mayor. Election time is coming up folks.
Jay Shivers says
The real question is why are we replacing vehicles with years of service life left in them? Maintenance costs over another 5-7 years will be less than the replacement costs. We should only be replacing vehicles that are beyond their service life. What is the real requirement? 80% availability for non emergency vehicles????
Mike Pikiel says
This free spending City Government can spend $6.2 Million to buy 69 Vehicles and Heavy Equipment items, including 3 Fire Trucks, and in the same breath force the Green Lion out to get $3,000 in rent, and utilities! The same City government who just voted to for a 151% raise for council members and a 164% raise for the mayor . Election Day is coming and they need to go!
J.T says
Don’t buy any city vehicle, they are over used and under serviced unless you want to spend 4000 on a f-350 with a bent frame and 500k miles on it, I’d stick to police auctions for more bang for your buck vehicles.
Flatsflyer says
Jay, city leaders think it’s cheaper to buy new rather than do an oil change.
Me Too says
Who will respond to fires when they are out on their shuttle? JS
Me Too says
I made my comment before I saw yours! 100% accurate!
Me Too says
that’s not going to change codes
Me Too says
Call and find out what auction service they use. Watch the meetings. Disposals usually have to be approved.
Concerned patriot says
What a scene, to no avail from all the residents pleading with the Mayor and Council to help them out by rolling back the millage rate to 4 from 4.6989 just for a year. My alarming interest is why the budget went from $162,197,869 to $248,635,694 in FY 2022 to over $300,000,000 this year. What expenditures were sooo great that the Stormwater Management fund went from $8,101,784 in FY 19 to $18,381,380 in FY 20 and $24,394,959 in FY 22???!!!? And the Fire Impact Fee went from $207,252 FY 19 to $350,391 FY 21 to a whopping $1,206,353 FY 22!??!! There are plenty more questions about these expenditures that should be looked into. I’ve lived here since 2014, and before that along the posh Riverside Dr. in Ormond Beach where back then the homes along the Halifax paid $10,000+ in yearly property taxes, while the ones across the street paid $3000 and less. Ormond is a well run city, with it’s utilities (water, garbage, recycling) kept reasonable at $30-$50 a month vs Palm Coast’s nearly $200 a month depending on if you have city water for irrigation or not (an extra $100 or so tagged on). Palm Coast has been run by republicans for a very long time, and now people can see what they really represent. High costs and taxes, undeserved massive increases in funds, fees and budgets, and disengaging the citizens who suffer from their policies.
Re Property tax increases, I believe justice and fairness would be served if the republicans who run the state government legislature were to change the property tax code so that homeowners who bought their houses were kept at the same property tax valuation for at least 5 years, or even until they sold their homes. With no increase except after 5 years of no more than 3% every 5 years or so. If the home’s valuation went down the taxes would decrease immediately too. Find a republican legislator (Paul Renner or Travis Hutson) willing to do that. I bet Adam Morely, who is running against Renner this November, would. I bet Charlie Crist would do that too as our Governor.