The purchase of a much-needed dump bed truck for the city’s public works department led to its director asking for more input on his budget.
“Once again, I am not aware of the changes that had been made to the budget since I presented my proposal,” said Walter Williams, public works director. “Changes have been made that I am not aware of.”
The discussion began during the last Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting when two quotes were brought forward concerning the purchase of a dump bed truck.
Williams was assisted by Building Inspector Russ Carter in finding two used dump bed trucks for the public works department.
Their teamwork was commended by Mayor Diane Delaware.
“This is what teamwork looks like,” Delaware said. “I have said it over and over again. We are a team.”
Delaware said a dump bed truck is critical in both Williams and Carter’s jobs.
“Russ Carter needs a dump bed so he can move on with these (dilapidated) houses,” Delaware said. “We keep talking about tearing houses down, but the dump bed has been gone. Walter Williams needs a dump bed because it’s his department that tears down these houses, and he uses it for other things as well.”
Delaware said the dump bed truck has been needed since February of 2015.
“I know exactly what happened to the dump bed,” she added. “I know why the dump bed is broke. You will think I don’t, but I do.”
Carter found a 1998 truck model for $14,500. He also found a similar model for $16,200.
“Where is the money coming from,” asked Alderman Aubry Brent Jr.
Williams said the city received a check for $11,300 from the insurance company, leaving about $3,200 in difference.
“I think the city ought to be able to do that,” Williams said. “I wish I would have known that we had been working on amending the solid waste budget. I didn’t know anything about.”
Williams added that when he completes a purchase order with the city clerk’s office, he is told there is “no money.”
Williams said he has brought the lack of funds before the board before in the past.
“You all have gone on with a proposal that I am not familiar with,” Williams said. “If you let me in on the inside of the budget then I will be able to answer your questions.”
The board later approved purchasing the $14,500 truck, paying the difference with Public Service Commission surplus funds.
