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After park fire, Winfield council approves limited purchases while insurance is pending
Summary
Council members approved emergency purchases of lawnmowers, blowers, ATVs and hand tools to keep parks and the library maintained after a fire destroyed park equipment and insurance payments were delayed.
Winfield City Council on Aug. 19, 2025, approved limited, immediate purchases of park maintenance equipment after a fire destroyed much of the parks department’s tools and machines, city officials said.
Council members and staff described a multi-week delay in insurance settlement. Parks staff reported losing four lawnmowers, all weed eaters and other equipment in the fire and said the department had little remaining equipment to maintain parks and the library. The council voted to approve a short list of replacements the department said it needed immediately: two lawnmowers, two or three ATVs/utility vehicles (three-wheelers were discussed), two blowers and hand tools including shovels and weed eaters.
“It's been 3 weeks now. It's 3 weeks that that have nothing to work with,” a staff speaker said while urging the council to let the department buy critical items while insurance work continues.
Council discussion referenced how the city’s insurance replacement policy works: members advised that replacing equipment and submitting receipts can increase the amount likely recovered because insurers often pay depreciated value first and replacement costs when presented after purchase. “If you settle with them now, they pay you the depreciated value. And they will pay you the difference when you buy the new stuff to replace it,” a council member with insurance experience explained.
Council members and staff said they had borrowed mowers from other departments and received temporary loans from neighboring municipalities and local businesses while waiting on insurance. The council instructed staff to keep a running list of purchases and receipts for later submission to the insurer.
A motion to authorize the purchases passed by voice vote. Council members also discussed whether to replace larger equipment such as the infield machine immediately or to wait on insurance; they approved the smaller, critical items now and said they would track receipts and remaining needs.
The council did not specify exact vendor names or dollar limits in the meeting; staff were asked to provide a running list of purchased items and receipts for insurance reimbursement.
