The City Council on Aug. 25 approved the cemetery crew’s request to purchase a John Deere 1025R subcompact utility tractor with a front-end loader for $20,077.70 from Hudson Inc. under the Michigan Ag and Grounds roadside quoting process.

DPW staff said the tractor will assist cemetery restoration tasks. Funds for the purchase will be taken from the cemetery general fund, GL account 101-567-977. Staff said the tractor is available in 4 to 6 weeks if the purchase is approved.

Council discussed whether formal bidding rules applied; staff said the Michigan Ag and Grounds (MiAg) contract provides government pricing and that three John Deere dealers would provide the same pricing under the cooperative contract, so the procurement is handled via the cooperative agreement.

The motion to approve the purchase passed by roll-call vote.