Committee backs purchase of new wood chipper; purchase exceeds state purchasing threshold

The Administration Finance Committee on Sept. 2 recommended forwarding Resolution 61-R-25 to the full board to authorize purchase of a new 2025 Vermeer BC 1,000 XL wood chipper from Premier Midwest not to exceed $57,372.98, using budgeted public works capital funds for fiscal year 2026.

Mitch, a public works staff member, told the committee the department rents a wood chipper for about $974 per week and had rented chippers five times so far in the year, with additional rentals likely. Staff had researched used equipment but found used chippers in poor condition and with high hours; a new unit comes with a three-year warranty and a state-bid discount of roughly $6,000 compared with used-market pricing, Mitch said. The board previously authorized $35,000 for a used unit during the budget process; staff proposed foregoing two other planned skid-steer attachments (a post-hole auger and a brush mower) to remain within the capital budget if the new chipper purchase is approved.

Mitch presented the recommended purchase price and noted the purchase exceeds state purchasing allowance of $25,000; accordingly, staff said a majority of the board will have to waive formal bidding/budget procedural requirements to complete the purchase. The committee moved and seconded the resolution and voted to forward it to the Sept. 15 board meeting with a positive recommendation.

Ending: The resolution authorizes the village administrator to enter a purchase agreement with Premier Midwest not to exceed $57,372.98; final approval and any required waiver of purchasing rules will occur at the full board meeting.