Commission approves sandbox tests: landfill loader demo trucking, mower purchase and fog seal for Sakakawea Estates

The Mercer County Commission voted to cover trucking for a demonstration landfill loader, approved purchase of a replacement mower and flex wing for highway operations and authorized a fog-seal surface treatment for portions of Sakakawea Estates.

At Wednesday’s meeting commissioners considered a vendor offer to bring a large loader to the county for equipment trials. County staff estimated trucking would cost “about $1,000–$1,500.” After discussion about which budget line should pay the expense, the commission voted to pay the trucking out of the miscellaneous fund. The motion was made and seconded during the meeting and carried unanimously.

Highway equipment purchases: Road supervisors presented quotes for a replacement ditch-mowing unit and a flex-wing mower attachment. The commission approved purchasing the McLean County quote for the mower and the flex wing (the county's records show the flex wing price at about $30,048 and one mower quote about $30,004; final invoices pending). Commissioners discussed whether the county must competitively bid equipment purchases; staff said statutory bid thresholds were not exceeded for these items and budgets are in place.

Fog seal for Sakakawea Estates: The commission approved a fog-seal treatment for a development identified as Sakakawea Estates after engineering provided a square-footage and materials estimate. The vendor’s material estimate for the area was roughly $5,000 (estimates vary by scope), and commissioners agreed the treatment would extend pavement life. The road department will manage scheduling and payment from the road budget/miscellaneous funds per prior practice.

Why it matters: The actions reflect routine capital and maintenance decisions. The loader demo gives staff a chance to evaluate heavy equipment before purchase; mower purchases refresh aging roadside-mowing equipment; and the fog seal is a preventive maintenance measure to prolong pavement life with relatively modest investment.

Votes and funding: The commission voted unanimously on the trucking-motion, the mower/flex-wing purchases and the fog-seal authorization. Commissioners instructed staff to track expenses against the miscellaneous and road budgets and report back during budget updates.

Ending: County staff said they will continue to evaluate haul/trucking options and will seek lower-cost transport if available; they also will present any final purchase orders for recordkeeping and auditing.