Public works tells council aging tractor and heavy use of skid steer are straining equipment; street department seeks to repurpose sale proceeds for mowers

Public Works Director Albert John told the council the city’s I-10 tractor — purchased in 2006 — is undersized for the cutter it pulls, has required multiple clutch replacements over the years and now has a PTO failure. John said a John Deere representative told the city the tractor lacked sufficient horsepower for the 15-foot cutter and “should have at least a 100 horse.”

Street Commissioner Wesley reported the tractor had been out of service intermittently for weeks and that crews are using a skid steer to cut narrow strips along I‑10 where cables prevent the bush hog from fitting. Wesley said that approach accelerates wear on the skid steer. “It’s entirely too much running up and down the interstate with that thing,” he said.

Wesley asked the council to repurpose proceeds from equipment sales to buy new mowers. He requested two new mowers immediately and said he would like three; he also said he would obtain state-contract quotes and bring precise costs to the next meeting. Mayor and council asked Wesley to get quotes and indicated the appropriations discussion will return at the next meeting.

Council also discussed the possibility of returning some interstate mowing to federal/state contractors — a practice used previously — but members noted the city had taken on mowing to maintain exit appearance. No appropriation was made at the meeting; staff were directed to obtain quotes and return with numbers for formal action.