Council declines $45,000 plow-blade purchase after split vote
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Summary
After lengthy debate about equipment needs and budget timing, the council failed to approve purchasing two new snowplow blades (up to $45,000) with funding flexibly authorized from either the public-works budget or contingency. The motion failed on a 4–3 roll-call vote.
The Virginia City Council debated purchasing two new snowplow blades with hitches and how to fund them during the Oct. 28 meeting.
Councilor Johnson moved to authorize up to $45,000 to purchase two blades, with funds to come from either the public-works budget or the contingency fund. Supporters said the blades were needed for safe, reliable winter operations and that some public-works equipment is worn. Opponents questioned why the need had not been planned through capital budgeting and expressed concern about drawing down contingency late in the year.
Multiple councilors said the blades were operationally necessary; others said they preferred buying a single blade or identifying existing public-works funds rather than using contingency. The motion — as amended to allow either funding source — failed on a roll call (4 in favor, 3 opposed). Councilors said staff should revisit the timing and budget planning for equipment replacement in the coming budget cycle.
Councilors also approved multiple other committee-recommended public-works actions earlier in the meeting, including change orders and funding applications for street and culvert projects.