Neosho County Road & Bridge staff presented equipment quotes and lease options for replacement graders and recommended several financing scenarios; the commission discussed trade-in values, lease balloon payments and timing before deciding not to place an order immediately.

Jared, the equipment representative, walked commissioners through all-wheel-drive and tandem-grader prices, trade values and lease structures that included balloon payments at the end of six-, eight- and ten-year terms. Jared told the board the full-buyout 10-year payment for two tandem graders would be roughly $46,079 each in one scenario and explained options to reduce monthly payments by extending terms while carrying balloon buyouts.

Commissioners weighed trade-in credits, local supply availability and interest-rate concerns; Jared noted some counties recently bought similar machines for lower rates through commercial banks but said availability was limited and delivery could be into the fall or after the new year for certain configurations.

When asked whether the county should order now, a commissioner said, “Don't do not place an order at this time,” and the board did not place a purchase order during the meeting. Staff were told to continue gathering information and to lift the discussion when interest rates and delivery expectations are clearer.

County staff said they would revisit the purchase if the board requested or if market conditions changed.