Council approves appointees, ponders new trash truck

By submitted, 04/19/22 3:03 PM

PRESCOTT – Two positions were vacated at the March meeting of the Prescott City Council. At the April meeting, these posts were filled.

First up was the appointment of John Miller to the position of City Clerk/Recorder. There was no opposition, and no members of the council had another to nominate for the spot. He was approved by a 6-0 vote.

Next was the appointment of Phyllis Hicks to replace Jerry Hightower. Again, there were no other nominations and she was approved 6-0.

The main topic of discussion for the meeting was renewing the lease for a new trash truck. Bruce Bean, city office manager, said the the city entered into a lease in May 2020 with Bancorp South with the lease costing the city $2,232 per month, with a balloon payment due on June 18 of $82,500. Ron Sprouse, with Arkansas Municipal Equipment (AME), reportedly told Bean this company had ordered more than 40 chassis to be sold, but only received 18. Bean said if the council approved, it could get a two-year lease on one of the trucks at $2,387per month with a balloon payment of $140,900 after two years.

The cost of the new  truck is $189,900. The new truck would be a 2022 Peterbilt. Bean explained if the city enters into a lease for a new truck, AME will pay the difference and the city won’t be penalized for early payment.

Councilman Howard Austin asked if the city could pay off $142,000 in two years. Mayor Terry Oliver said it could.

Bean said in two years the city could either pay off the truck or enter into a new lease with AME taking the old one for resale.

Austin brought up the point the city would still have one old trash truck, and suggested the city look  into a way of getting a truck to replace it. Bean told the council the truck in question is a 2015 model.

Austin said this truck will have to be replaced eventually and the city will be in a situation where it has to buy a new one to replace it.

Bean said this is something the council would need to discuss with City Accountant Carl Dalrymple.

The panel approved moving forward with the lease a new trash truck, directing City Attorney Glenn Vasser to draw up a resolution for the May meeting.