Dickson Approves Nearly $243,000 Snow Response Truck

Dickson, TN — The City of Dickson will spend approximately $243,155.94 on a new multipurpose truck and snow removal equipment as officials work to improve the city’s ability to respond to major winter storms.

The Dickson City Council approved the purchase through Resolution 2026-47 during its July 6, 2026 meeting.

The total includes approximately $103,580 for the truck and $139,575.94 to equip it for snow and ice response. City officials said the vehicle and equipment were included in the city’s new budget and came in below budget projections.

City Administrator Dave Travis said the purchase grew out of discussions following the major winter storm that affected the area in January of 2026. The storm exposed limitations in some of the equipment available to city crews.

“Some of our equipment is just not made for that type of stuff,” Travis told the council.

Following the storm, city officials agreed to research equipment capable of handling more severe winter conditions. Public Works employees examined available options and recommended a truck similar to those used by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

The city will be able to use the vehicle throughout the year rather than limiting it to winter emergencies. Snow removal attachments and other equipment can be removed during warmer months, allowing the vehicle to operate as a standard dump truck.

That year round use was an important part of the city’s decision to make the purchase.

The acquisition involves two separate expenses. The city will first purchase the truck for approximately $103,580. Outfitting it with the necessary snow-response equipment will cost approximately $139,575.94.

Officials said it could take about a year for the truck to be fully equipped. Separating the purchase into two stages will also prevent the city from paying the entire cost at once.

Funding is expected to come from the city’s State Street Aid account.

The city used Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing organization, to make the purchase. Through the program, participating governments can buy equipment from approved vendors at nationally negotiated prices.

City officials compared the arrangement to purchasing from a state contract. The cooperative system allows municipalities to use prices that have already been competitively negotiated instead of conducting a separate bidding process for each purchase.

The council approved the purchase without opposition.