The Town of Golden’s Standing Committee on Finance met Tuesday morning, November 18, to begin discussions on the community’s next five-year capital plan and to consider a major equipment purchase for Public Works.
2026-2030 Capital Projects Budget
Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Brown introduced the draft 2026–2030 Capital Projects Budget, outlining projected spending across general government, protective services, transportation, parks and recreation, and water, sewer, and waste management. The report marks the first step in developing the new five-year financial plan that will guide municipal priorities and funding allocations into 2030 (summary to follow in next week’s paper).
The committee also reviewed a Public Works recommendation to purchase a new combination jet/vac sewer cleaner truck from Kendrick Equipment Ltd. for $754,800 plus taxes. The cost exceeds the original 2025 budget estimate of $600,000, prompting a proposed budget increase of $210,000 to be funded from the Equipment Capital Reserve in 2026.
Staff said the higher price reflects updated market costs and enhanced features, including a single-engine system, water recycling capacity, and lifetime warranties on debris and water tanks. These upgrades are expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, and significantly improve the response to emergency situations.
If approved by Council, the purchase will bring the service capability inhouse and strengthen the Town’s sewer maintenance program.
The meeting also included adoption of the November 4 committee minutes and brief administrative items. The session was broadcast live from Town Hall and remains available for viewing on the Town of Golden’s YouTube channel.
Background Summary
The Town of Golden had already included the purchase of a combination jet/vac sewer cleaner truck, also commonly referred to as a hydro vac truck, in its approved 2025–2029 Five-Year Financial Plan, with a budget allocation of $600,000 for 2025.
Public Works staff reviewed pricing through Canoe Procurement, a cooperative purchasing program used by municipalities to access competitive quotes. During this process, staff discovered that the cost for available demonstrator units was significantly higher than anticipated, ranging from $800,000 to $850,000, including applicable taxes.
The report explains that the higher cost is due to inflation, supply chain factors, and the specialized nature of the equipment. Given the operational need and long-term value, staff recommended proceeding with the purchase, despite the increased cost, because it provides immediate operational benefits and a strong long-term return on investment for the Town, as the lifetime of the equipment is estimated at 12-15 years.
Public Works Report: Sewer Cleaner Truck Purchase in more detail
The Public Works Department presented a staff report recommending the purchase of a new Combination Jet/Vac Sewer Cleaner Truck from Kendrick Equipment Ltd. for $754,800 plus taxes.
• Budget Impact: The 2025 Financial Plan had allocated $600,000 for this purchase, but costs for available units now required an increase of $210,000, proposed to be funded from the Equipment Capital Reserve in 2026.
Comparative vendor analysis showed Kendrick’s proposal was not necessarily the lowest, it included more upgrades and it was available sooner than competing models.
• Rationale: Staff supported the purchase due to operational benefits, water recycling capabilities, and improved fuel efficiency. The selected unit includes lifetime warranties on debris and water tanks and potential for reduced GHG emissions compared to alternatives.
