A Moment with the Mayor: City Equipment

The City of Lloydminster manages an extensive fleet of equipment to support its operations and services. This fleet includes large and small trucks, heavy machinery, tractors, ATVs, skid steers, golf carts, and fire trucks. Specialized equipment is also used for tasks like street cleaning, grass cutting, tree and cemetery maintenance, golf course upkeep, and maintaining the city’s flower pots and planters.

Each year, city administration evaluates the condition of this equipment and recommends replacements as part of the annual budget process. When replacing equipment, the city often faces two options: trading in or auctioning off aging assets to maximize value or continuing to operate them until the end of their lifecycle. This can lead to increased maintenance costs, reliability concerns, and potential breakdowns, which are especially critical during peak operational periods or adverse weather conditions.

Light-duty trucks, for example, have a long lifecycle within the city’s fleet. These vehicles are initially purchased for specific departments and roles, and as they age, they’re repurposed for use by seasonal staff during the spring, summer, and fall for various projects.

Fire apparatus, on the other hand, must meet stringent requirements to ensure the safety of residents and property. The Insurance Bureau of Canada mandates that first-line fire trucks remain under 20 years old to maintain the city’s fire insurance rating. While older trucks can serve as reserves, the primary pumper must meet this age requirement. Recently, the city purchased a new pumper truck for $1,000,000. While reusing an older vehicle or purchasing a used one would have been less expensive, it would have significantly increased fire insurance costs for all homes and businesses due to a downgraded insurance rating.

The city’s equipment needs are an ongoing topic of discussion at the council table. Administration continuously assesses the value and performance of current assets, ensuring timely replacements to maintain operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers

City of Lloydminster