The Barton County Commission approved replacing a spray truck for the noxious weed division Monday morning, but the approval faced opposition.

The new truck costs $241,304 and is being supplied by Stahly of Bloomington, Illinois. The department recommended purchasing the 2017 Peterbilt and sprayer to replace the current 2002 GMC Stahley sprayer, which uses a 1998 model chassis.

The truck is used to treat pastures, fallow land and brush for the county’s farmers, who pay the county for these services. It is also used to spray ditches and roadsides on county and state roads (the county is reimbursed by the state for the cost).

Dale Phillips, director of the Department of Roads and Bridges, who oversees the noxious weed division, said the old truck is showing its age. It breaks down frequently and replacement parts are hard to find.

Given the heavy use, it is important that the device is reliable, Phillips said.

However, it was Commissioner Alicia Straub who raised objections. In her view, the Commission was not given the opportunity to explore other options, such as buying a used truck or purchasing a smaller, less expensive piece of equipment.

Phillips said the larger, heavier truck would be able to withstand the heavy use required better than a smaller one, and would therefore have lower maintenance costs because it would require fewer repairs.

With used Phillips equipment, you never know what you’re going to get. There may be more problems later.

Still, Straub said, the county receives about $16,000 annually from landowners for spraying, meaning it takes 15 years to pay for a spray truck. She found it difficult to justify the cost.

“This is a vital service for many,” said Commission Chair Jennifer Schartz. The county may never make money from many of the services it provides, like the jail or the roads, but they are still important and worth funding.

“I have a lot of respect for Dale,” Straub said of the director. “He has one of the best departments in the state.”

She just felt like they weren’t given enough options.

The discussion was abruptly interrupted when Commissioner Don Davis ordered the purchase after saying, “When she (Straub) is done criticizing Dale.”

Later in the meeting, Straub responded to Davis’ comment by reiterating that she had nothing but respect for the department. “I’m simply asking the questions that every taxpayer has.”

The resolution was passed 4-1, with Straub voting against.

The old truck is set to be auctioned. Phillips said it could fetch $20,000 to $30,000.