After more than 12 years of service out of the current dump truck, Columbus’ Public Works Department will be receiving a new dump truck in the coming weeks.

Funding for the public works dump truck was set aside in the 2015-16 budget. Acquisition of the truck was approved in a special meeting held by the Columbus City Council on July 27.

The council, along with Public Works Director James Smith, deliberated on two options.

The first, a 2016 Ford F-350, comes with a price tag of $41,223 and a 17-week wait, as it is required to be ordered.

The second option was an in-stock 2015 Ram 3500, at $46,755.

“I’ve been a Ford man all my life, but with the recent problems with their diesel engines I would choose the Ram,” said Smith.

According to Smith, the Ram also carries a better warranty at five years, or 100,000 miles, and a more reliable engine.

“I’m here to give our employees the best tools to do the job,” said Councilman Richard Hall.

After a discussion, the council approved the acquisition of the Ram despite a $3,560 price difference in favor of the Ford.

Mayor Eric McIntyre felt the price difference was a small price to pay for something that would last the city more than 20 years.

“This will be a big plus for public works,” said Columbus Town Manager Tim Barth on having two dump trucks. “It’s going to help them do things they can’t do now.”

The city of Columbus will hold its next council meeting on Thursday, August 20 in the Council Chamber of the Columbus Town Hall.