Blackford County commissioners approve $13,128 tractor engine rebuild for sheriff

Blackford County Commissioners voted 7-0 on Sept. 3 to authorize about $13,128 from the countyrainy-day fund to rebuild a sheriffdepartment tractor engine.

The action followed a presentation to the board by the sheriff(unnamed in the transcript), who said the department had received two written quotes after sending the tractor engine for inspection: $19,366.33 to install a new engine and $13,128.03 to rebuild the existing engine. The sheriff recommended the rebuild option.

Commission President Patrick Kale and six fellow commissioners voted in favor. The roll-call in the meeting transcript recorded: Patrick Kale Aye; Jim Weisman Aye; Ryan Goodspeed Aye; Casey Deck Aye; Fred Tobey Aye; Kyle Lachine Aye; Jack Beckley Aye.

The board discussed warranty and longevity concerns, with commissioners and the sheriff weighing whether a rebuilt engine or a new engine was a better long-term investment. A commissioner noted a typical warranty would likely be limited to a few years; others suggested rebuilding was reasonable given the tractors age and hours of use.

The motion authorized payment from the countyrainy-day or other available public-safety funds to cover the cost. The sheriff said the county had several funds available and that roughly $19,000 could be covered from existing balances if needed.

The vote was recorded as approved, 7-0. The sheriff and commissioners asked staff to follow up on warranty details and to report back if additional procurement or replacement options were needed.

Ending: The sheriff will proceed with arrangements for the rebuild and return with warranty and funding details if further action is required by the commissioners.