Commissioners approve purchase of two used belly-dump trailers for road crew

The Daniels County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 20 to authorize the road department to purchase two used belly-dump trailers, after the department presented a discounted offer and operational considerations.

Mike, who oversees county road equipment, told commissioners a seller in Minot had several used trailers available and that the county could obtain two for a price that would be substantially lower than new units. He said new trailers run around $75,000 each, while the used units were being offered at roughly $22,000 apiece in the proposal he presented to the board. Mike told commissioners the used trailers lacked factory liners but that the county could install liners later, and he estimated an installed liner would cost roughly $10,000 per trailer.

Commissioner 3 moved to approve purchase of the pair of used belly-dump trailers and a second commissioner supported the motion. The board approved the purchase by voice vote; all commissioners present voted in favor.

During discussion, commissioners and road staff reviewed maintenance and warranty questions, trade-in logistics (take old trailers to the vendor at pickup), and timing. Mike said the vendor had placed the trailers on hold and that delivery could occur within several months; he also noted the county is expecting a FEMA reimbursement check for roughly $84,000 in coming months that would help cover equipment costs.

The road superintendent said the county could accept the trailers as-is for winter operations and either accept the used trailers’ condition or plan a phased replacement with new units over time. Commissioners asked staff to prepare an equipment list and a prioritized replacement plan for use in future budgeting and insurance reviews.

The county gave staff authority to finalize purchase arrangements consistent with the board’s motion and return any contract or final paperwork for signatures as required.