City council has approved the purchase of two 2013 half-ton 4x4 pickup trucks and PRINS propane fuel systems from Lake City Ford for the bid prices of $72,511, excluding taxes.
Funds from the water and sewer utilities account will cover the costs of the new trucks will be used for that department.
Four calls for quotes were sent out by the city to local dealerships. Two responded, however, on Lakecity Ford quoted a propane conversion, which was one of the city's requirements.
Lake City Ford commercial accounts manager Don Vallerga said the trucks don't come with propane conversion, that's installed afterwards.
"We have it done by a company that manufactures propane systems, PRINS is the brand name."
As time goes on Vallerga is receiving more orders from municipalities or government ministries for propane conversions or electric/gas hybrids because of the percentage of green vehicles they must operate.
In a report to council, city purchasing agent Judy Felker reminded the city has committed to the reduction of its carbon footprint through the Green Fleet Strategy.
By the year 2020 the city, through its partnership with Climate Protection, has committed to reduce GHG emissions 33 per cent below its 2008 levels.
"Powering fleet vehicles with propane produces approximately 40 per cent less CO2 than Gasoline and contains fewer toxic chemicals and smog-forming pollutants," Felker noted. "Propane is also less expensive to purchase, currently the city pays $0.779 per litre for propane, compared to approximately $1.20 per litre for gasoline."
Lake City Ford also did a propane conversion on a new dump truck for the city, Vallerga added.