Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the procurement of an electric belt loader from Charlatte America, in the amount of $110,305 and an electric aircraft tug from Tronair, in the amount of $168,646.80, for the Killeen Regional Airport for a total amount of $278,951.80.
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DATE: July 21, 2026
TO: Kent Cagle, Interim City Manager
FROM: Jarrod Provost, Assistant Director of Aviation
SUBJECT: Procurement of Electric Ground Support Equipment for the Killeen Regional Airport
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Aviation Department is requesting authorization to purchase one electric aircraft tug and one electric aircraft luggage belt loader for the Killeen Regional Airport.
These units will replace the existing 2012 aircraft tug and 1992 luggage belt loader, both of which have exceeded their useful service life and no longer provide the reliability necessary to support airport operations.
On March 12, 2024, the City of Killeen entered into a grant agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) through the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TXVEMP). Under the terms of the agreement, the City committed to:
• Replacing eligible combustion-engine equipment with fully electric equipment;
• Maintaining continuous registration of the grant-funded equipment in Texas;
• Operating the grant-funded equipment within Texas for a minimum of five years, regardless of financing arrangements; and
• Maintaining records documenting equipment mileage or operating hours and location of use.
Under this program, TCEQ will reimburse the City up to $90,000 per eligible equipment replacement.
Replacing the existing equipment with fully electric units will improve operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with the requirements of the TCEQ grant agreement.
The following equipment is scheduled for replacement:
• One 1992 Aircraft Luggage Belt Loader
• One 2012 Aircraft Tug
Several vendors were solicited and the only responsive quotes received were from Charlatte America Fayat Group and Tronair, Inc. for the purchase of the replacement electric equipment as follows:
Equipment Unit Cost
Electric Belt Loader (Charlatte) 1 $110,305.00
Electric Aircraft Tug (Tronair) 1 $168,646.80
Total $278,951.80
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This purchase conforms to City policies and law. Purchases made to preserve or protect the public health or safety of the municipality’s residents are exempt the competitive bidding statutes per Texas Local Government Code 252.022(a)(2).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The total expenditure for the procurement of the two electric aviation vehicles, consisting of one electric belt loader and one electric aircraft tug, is $278,951.80. Once the TCEQ grant reimbursement is received, the actual cost to the Aviation Fund will be $98,951.80.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is a one-time expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in accounts 340-56315-900-600-924021 and 342-56315-900-604-924021.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Sufficient funding is available within the budgeted line items.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Council approve the procurement of one electric belt loader from Charlatte America, in the amount of $110,305, and one electric aircraft tug from Tronair, in the amount of $168,646.80, for the Killeen Regional Airport totaling an amount of $278,951.80, and authorize the Interim City Manager, or designee, to execute any related documents and change orders within the limits established by state and local law.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Purchasing
Finance
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Quotes
Certificate of Interested Parties
Presentation