During a recent Oxnard City Council meeting, officials discussed a significant amendment to the rental agreement with Big Truck Rental LLC, aimed at addressing the city's refuse collection vehicle needs. The proposed sixth amendment, presented by Victor Zambrano, a management analyst for the Environmental Resources Division, seeks approval for an additional $1,226,541, bringing the total agreement value to $6,304,576 and extending the rental term until June 30, 2026.

The necessity for this amendment stems from the aging fleet of refuse collection vehicles currently operated by the city. With 74 vehicles in service, the Environmental Resources Division faces challenges related to maintenance, repairs, and compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation inspections. These factors have led to a reliance on renting between five to ten additional vehicles each month to ensure uninterrupted refuse collection services for both residential and commercial customers.

The rental agreement with Big Truck Rental provides flexibility, allowing the city to rent vehicles as needed without incurring penalties for returns. This arrangement is crucial as the city prepares for a comprehensive vehicle replacement plan that includes zero-emission vehicles, aligning with state environmental requirements. The city anticipates returning to the council in the fiscal year 2025-2026 to propose the purchase of new vehicles.

Financially, the amendment is supported by a recently adopted cost of service study, which projects sufficient revenue generation from fiscal years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029 to fund the rental and eventual acquisition of new refuse collection vehicles. The current weekly rental costs for these vehicles range from $2,500 to $2,875, highlighting the ongoing financial commitment required to maintain reliable refuse collection services.

In summary, the council's approval of this amendment is a critical step in ensuring that Oxnard can continue to provide essential waste management services while planning for a more sustainable and efficient fleet in the future.