Union County board members authorized the highway department to use the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program and approved purchase of a hot box (asphalt heater/transport unit) from CMW Equipment under Sourcewell contract number 050625 for $40,670.

Sourcewell is a cooperative procurement agency that allows public entities to buy goods and equipment through pre-bid contracts. A board member framed the resolution as a way to streamline highway equipment purchases. The county also noted $55,000 in recent vehicle sale revenue that will offset equipment replacement costs.

During the discussion board members said they have reviewed Sourcewell contracts and the highway department's equipment needs; there was general support for using cooperative purchasing to replace aging machinery. The hot box motion specified the vendor and Sourcewell contract number and the dollar amount. The board recorded the motion and approved the purchase.

The equipment purchase is expected to be used in road-repair operations; staff said the hot box will support asphalt maintenance and improve efficiency for patching and resurfacing work. The board authorized the county to proceed under the Sourcewell contract and directed highway staff to complete procurement and delivery arrangements.