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The purchase of a new leaf truck was the subject of debate at the recent meeting of the Badin Town Council.

Mayor Gary Lowder presented the item, saying the new $18,500 truck could “make a lot of difference” in terms of cleaning up leaves around town.

Councilman Dale Ward said he and maintenance supervisor Terry Eudy recently took a test drive on the truck. Ward said the truck had drawbacks, saying due to its size “there are certain areas you will not be able to go into.”

The town’s current leaf truck recently had a radiator replaced which was under warranty, Eudy said.

He expressed concerns as well about driving the larger truck through narrow Badin streets. Eudy said the new truck, while being “a heck of a deal,” potentially “will be more of a liability than an asset. I think the truck is going to be dangerous to maneuver around Badin.”

Eudy said the new truck is longer than the largest fire truck the Badin Volunteer Fire Department has at approximately 31-foot-8 from bumper to bumper.

Ward said the town needed a new truck because the town “went for almost three months with leaves on the ground.” He added reasons included wet ground, the existing truck broke down and staff was on vacation.

“We went almost three months with leaves piled up on the streets. I know we’re making headway…but our people deserve better than what we gave them last year,” Ward said.

Councilman Charlie Council said the truck could be sold later if needed for a profit. Town Manager Jay Almond said towns have to be careful about reselling items, adding “it is not straightforward” on the town selling equipment for profit.

Charlie Council moved to go forward with the purchase. The motion passed 4-1 with Mayor Pro Tem Deloris Chambers voting against it.