Board authorizes pickup and jetter purchases for county operations

The Webster County Board of Supervisors approved two equipment purchases Aug. 26: a half-ton pickup for county use and a trailer-mounted tile jetter for drainage maintenance.

County Engineer Jamie Joel explained the pickup purchase of $49,861 from Shim Cat Motor Company was in his budget, and that solicited quotes were received from multiple dealers though one did not submit a quote. Joel said the vendor’s available unit was white rather than the specified red; he asked the board about adding $295 to switch to gray for practical reasons related to asphalt inspection work. Joel said the additional color-change charge was not included in the motion and suggested returning to the board to approve any change in total before purchase.

Joel described the jetter — a high-pressure water unit used to clean tile lines, cut roots and clear plugged culverts — and said the county purchased the unit off the Sourcewell contract for $97,296.61. He said the unit demonstrated well in a recent demo and the county has budgeted funds for the purchase.

Both purchases passed on voice votes.

Why it matters: The purchases affect the county’s ability to inspect and maintain roads and drainage infrastructure; Joel said the jetter will speed maintenance tasks that are otherwise time-consuming and costly.

What’s next: Joel will proceed with the acquisitions and return to the board if the vehicle’s color or final price requires a supplemental approval.