Commissioners approve purchase of Caterpillar motor grader for Road & Bridge for $299,645.25

Road & Bridge Director Jim presented a purchase offer for a motor grader to the Harvey County Board of Commissioners and asked for authorization to proceed.

Jim said the county previously amended his capital improvement plan to allow pursuit of a dump truck and motor grader. He recommended a Caterpillar 140‑13L from Foley Equipment and described the specifications the department needs: "We expect a 12 foot moldboard with 2 2 foot extensions on either end" and a scarifier with Caterpillar's square carbon teeth that last longer. He told commissioners the price was within the department’s budget: he had budgeted about $310,000 and the vendor price was $299,645.25.

A motion to approve the purchase and authorize staff to sign the purchase agreement was made and seconded. The board took the vote and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The motor grader purchase is intended to maintain and improve the county’s ability to regrade roads and shape ditches; the director highlighted features intended to improve longevity and regrading performance.

Details and next steps: Jim agreed to provide commissioners with a summary of a recent regrade project (South Greenwich Road) at a later meeting so the board can consider project costs and inform future budgeting.

Ending: The board authorized the purchase and instructed staff to complete the agreement paperwork.