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Bonner County approves Road & Bridge purchases and advertises grader replacement with buyback option
Summary
The board approved purchase of plow and grader bits ($45,432), two custom sanders ($44,700), and authorized advertisement to replace one motor grader using the buyback option; Road & Bridge directors said the specialized equipment provides long service life and better return on investment.
Bonner County commissioners approved multiple Road & Bridge equipment purchases and authorized an advertisement to replace one motor grader on Nov. 4.
Road & Bridge Director Jason Toph presented procurement under Idaho code that allows purchases under $100,000 without formal competitive bid but with best‑value guidance and (where possible) three quotes. The department recommended buying plow and grader bits from EB Equipment Blades for $45,432 (the competing rebuilding quote was $55,265). Commissioners approved the purchase using funds from budget line 27080.
The department also requested two custom‑built sanders from Steve Peck Fabrication LLC at $22,350 apiece ($44,700 total). Toph told the board the fabricator builds to a heavier specification (3/16th mild steel) and that these units typically last 20+ years, producing a better life‑cycle return than standard commercial sanders; commissioners approved the purchase from capital heavy equipment funds (29520).
Road & Bridge asked to advertise to replace one motor grader whose lease payoff is $120,000 with a buyback option listed at $190,000; the department recommended using the buyback option. Commissioners approved the advertisement and buyback use.
Why it matters: The purchases maintain winter‑maintenance capability (plow bits, sanders) and begin a procurement process to replace aging heavy equipment needed for year‑round county maintenance.
What’s next: Road & Bridge will complete purchases and publish the grader replacement bid advertisement; funds will be drawn from the specified capital lines.
