Memorandum
Date: July 15, 2025
To: The Honorable Eddie Crandell, Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Lars Ewing, Public Services Director
Subject: Consideration of: A) Determination that competitive bidding would not be in the public’s interest, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2 (2), and; B) Authorization of the Public Services Director/Assistant Purchasing Agent to sign a Purchase Order not to exceed $370,012.50 to Peterson CAT for a used 2020 Caterpillar 730 Articulated Dump Truck for the Eastlake Landfill.
Executive Summary
The FY 2025-2026 Final Recommended Budget for the Integrated Waste Management Division includes an appropriation of $425,000 for the purchase of an articulated dump truck. This equipment is necessary for transporting on-site rock and dirt over rough off-road terrain, such as landfill operations.
Prior to the preparation of the budget, staff obtained preliminary quotes and compared prices for both new and used articulated dump trucks. A new truck of the sort needed at the landfill is approximately $655,000.00. On June 13, 2025, staff obtained a quote from Peterson CAT of Ukiah for a used Caterpillar 730 articulated dump truck in the amount of $370,012.50, representing a significant cost savings. Staff is of the opinion that it is in the County’s interest to pursue the purchase of this truck.
This specific truck has only 4,193 operating hours, which is relatively low for a haul truck - with proper maintenance, these trucks typically operate for up to 15,000 hours. Additionally, Peterson CAT is located in Ukiah, which provides accessible dealer support and minimizes risk in comparison to buying from a private seller or at auction, which is important for a large capital purchase such as this.
Therefore, staff is requesting your Board make a determination that competitive bidding would not be in the public’s interest, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2 (2), because the unique nature of the goods - specifically a used articulated haul truck - precludes competitive bidding.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost:______ Amount Budgeted: ______ Additional Requested: ______ Future Annual Cost:
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☒ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☒ Public Safety ☐ Clear Lake
☐ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☒ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☒ Business Process Efficiency
☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
Recommended Action:
(A) Determine that competitive bidding would be in the public’s interest, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2 (2), and (B) Authorize the Public Services Director/Assistant Purchasing Agent to sign a Purchase Order not to exceed $370,012.50 to Peterson CAT for a used 2020 Caterpillar Articulated Dump Truck for the Eastlake Sanitary Landfill.