Staff writer
More than once Monday, county commissioners spent a few moments silenced while reviewing bid options for a new motor grader in the road and bridge department.
Murphy Tractor and Equipment appeared to have the lowest bid at $191,975 for a 2014 John Deere, followed by G.W. Van Keppel Company’s Volvo at $194,350, and a 2014 Caterpillar model for $196,474 from Foley Equipment. Foley Equipment also bid a 2013 model for $191,091.
Each grader was comparable to the others, but the Van Keppel bid not include a trade-in value for older county-owned vehicles.
Not wanting to accept the bid outright, figuring the trade-in price would be lower, Commissioner Randy Dallke asked the county pay $180,000 instead. The remaining $14,350 would then go toward each grader traded in.
“We have to look out for the county,” Dallke said.
Commissioners voted 2-1 to accept the Van Keppel bid, with Dan Holub opposed. The actual trade-in price came out to $20,000, for a total bid of $174,350.
In other business:
- Commissioners agreed to advance $10,000 to a fence project at the county lake, also authorizing Darryl Brewer to buy piping for fence panels.
- Road and bridge workers Jason Creevan, John Millett, and Greg Ballew received monthly pay raises — Creevan and Ballew from $2,021 to $2,061 and Millett from $1,981 to $2,021.