Commission approves Polaris Ranger purchase and debates park funding and skid-steer transfer

Chilton County commissioners on June 24 approved the purchase of a 2025 Polaris Ranger for $21,510 to support parks trail maintenance, with funds identified verbally as derived from a county-designated revenue source. The vote passed with two commissioners opposing.

Commissioner Perkins moved to accept a quote and authorize the purchase; Commissioner Bohn seconded. Commissioners Billingsley and Headley voted in opposition; the remainder voted yes. During discussion Billingsley asked whether quotes had been sought from local John Deere and Kubota dealers; Perkins replied he had obtained several Polaris quotes but not quotes from John Deere or Kubota. Perkins described the selected Ranger as a CREW model with windshield, rear glass, winch, beefed-up suspension and no doors but side nets for frequent entry/exit.

Discussion on the parks budget and recent equipment purchases followed. Commissioners described a prior line-item transfer that moved a $185,000 skid steer purchase from the road department to the parks department to facilitate trail work on newly acquired property and said that amount was a budgeted asset moved between departments; other commissioners clarified that the net budget adjustment for personnel and signage totaled $84,318 and that the funds were taken from a fund balance. Commissioners emphasized the skid steer will be available for road department use during emergencies and that park investments aim to generate revenue to reduce future county subsidy.

The commission approved the Polaris purchase with a recorded opposition by Commissioners Billingsley and Headley. The meeting record did not show additional procurement action such as a formal bid waiver or vendor award beyond authorizing the purchase.