Tariffs Increase Price Of Electric Department's New Truck

HUNTINGDON (April 24, 2025) — Carroll County Electric Department Board of Directors approved the purchase of a new two-man bucket truck to replace the one destroyed during a wreck during terrestial rains on Thursday, April 3. Chance Carlton, a lineman for the county, lost his life during that accident.

The bucket truck and the hydraullic lift mechanism with buckets are two separate items to purchase new.
The bid for a replacement truck from Sourcewell was $283,200 plus five percent of new federal tariffs to bring the total price to $297,360.
The new bucket assembly was $177,210 additional.
After the insurance settlement, the department will pay $105,000 plus any customization needed on the new truck. Delivery time is up to 60 days.
Danny Toombs said the loss of the truck cripples the lineman, who used the truck to performance maintenance on energized three-phase lines.
Ryan Drewry, general manager, said the now-damaged truck was originally scheduled for replacement in the year 2028.
Drewry reported that the cost of two 166,000 volt breakers for the new substation in the Leach Community also increased in price by $8,100 each due to new federal tariffs.
Lori Nolen, chairman of the board, praised the department for its sympathy to the family of Chance Carlton and its compassion and debriefing of the staff of CCED following the tragedy.
Next month, the Board will be presented with the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Drewry said the Department is working to reduce overall costs, however, expected inflation and tariffs will have an impact on the budget.