Lincoln County Board Approves New Snowplow Truck Purchase
On November 10, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners sanctioned the acquisition of a 2025 Kenworth tandem snowplow truck from Master Tech Truck Equipment for a total of $312,001.83.
Highway Superintendent Jason Schultz informed the commissioners that the purchase is made under a sourcewell contract frequently utilized by other counties. The arrangement includes the truck itself, budgeted at approximately $286,000, alongside equipment valued around $25,000, making it a fully equipped vehicle. “We actually sent Brian and Charlie down to Wichita last week to inspect and test drive this truck,” Schultz stated. “They returned with very positive feedback.”
Schultz mentioned that the new truck is ready for pickup, except for a rear sander that will be installed in the coming weeks. The county plans to take an older truck out of commission and put it up for auction. He elaborated on warranty options and maintenance issues related to liners in truck boxes. “I believe these trucks are specifically designed for municipal and county use like snowplowing,” Schultz remarked, noting that investing in a new truck aims to minimize downtime and maintenance costs.
The commissioners inquired about the lead times, delivery fees, and the potential for the vehicle to be used year-round for hauling gravel and conducting other roadwork when it is not being used for snow removal. Schultz explained that custom builds often have lengthy lead times, making a factory-built truck a more desirable option for this functionality. The board subsequently approved the motion to proceed with the purchase through a roll call vote.
This approval marks the beginning of a multi-year plan to replace aging fleet vehicles, as noted by Schultz. The county is considering a delivery option that might lower shipping costs by arranging for the pickup at an industry show in Kearney.
The truck purchase was identified as a budgeted item, and the commissioners confirmed it had already been included in the current budget.
