Cape Girardeau County Commission approves purchase of new truck

The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted 2 to 1 to approve the purchase of a three-quarter ton pickup truck for just less than $22,900.

Outgoing 1st District commissioner Larry Bock had requested the new four-door, three-quarter-ton truck, saying it was better to buy it now than wait until his replacement arrives in January. Bock has been driving a county-issued Jeep Cherokee for 13 years. It has more than 90,000 miles on the odometer.

County highway administrator Scott Bechtold said he compared state bid rates for both three-quarter and half-ton pickups before making his recommendation for the larger, newer truck. He said the county could buy it locally, through Ford Groves, for just $200 over the state bid price, but only if the decision was made before the end of this week.

Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones seconded Bock's motion to approve the purchase. Second District commissioner Jay Purcell said he didn't see the need for a new truck for an outgoing commissioner. Jones pointed out the purchase was being made through the county's road and bridge budget, not the general fund.

Bechtold said he had anticipated buying a pickup, though it was not included in the 2008 budget, but expected to spend "about $18,000 or $19,000" for a two-door, half-ton version.

"I wasn't thinking of a crew cab and that takes about $2,500," he said. "But there is money in the new equipment line item for it."

Becthtold said the truck would likely be delivered before the end of the year.

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