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Board approves new mowers for parks maintenance; staff cites efficiency and reliability
Summary
Council approved purchases of a Ventrac mower ($39,646.40) and three Ferris mowers ($43,490.45) to replace older units; staff said the new machines will increase efficiency and lower repair needs.
The board approved two procurement contracts on July 24 to replace aging parks maintenance equipment.
Public Works Director Will Wiley told the board the Ventrac mower (quoted at $39,646.40 from Smith Turf and Irrigation via Sourcewell contract 112624‑TTC) will replace a 2008 Jacobsen and is capable of mowing 30‑degree slopes and low cutting heights without scalping. Staff said the Ventrac will increase efficiency and will be used to mow ball fields, slopes and other park areas; it also includes a blower attachment for clearing parking lots, fields and trails.
The board also approved purchase of three Ferris mowing units (quote: $43,490.45 from Athens Lawn & Tractor via ByBoard contract 703‑23) to replace a 2020 John Deere Z997R, a 2022 John Deere 1570, and a 2020 Exmark walk‑behind mower. Staff recommended Ferris citing equivalence to John Deere with additional features and said one John Deere was being replaced early due to ongoing mechanical issues.
Both procurement items were approved without recorded opposition. Board members who spoke praised staff for procurement work and expressed hope that the newer machines would reduce repair costs.
Discussion vs. decision: staff presented technical and budget rationale; the board approved both purchases by voice vote. No changes to specifications were requested during the meeting.
Clarifying details: replacement budget for the Ventrac was stated as $41,000 and the quote was $39,646.40; the Ferris replacements had a stated replacement budget of $80,000 and the quote was $43,490.45 for three units.
