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Parks director asks council for two new mowers costing $35,498; council presses on budget and bids
Summary
Parks Director Miss Pastor requested approval to buy two Ferris ZT 72 mowers for $35,498 to maintain nearly 400 acres in Salem parks; council members questioned whether the purchase was budgeted and whether alternative bids were sought.
The Salem City Council on Nov. 18 heard a request from Parks Director Miss Pastor and park board members John Panzot and Lori Cooleyen to approve the one-time purchase of two Ferris ZT 72 (72-inch) zero-turn mowers, citing increasing maintenance costs and equipment unreliability.
Miss Pastor said the parks team maintains nearly 400 acres across seven parks, a nearly one-mile nature trail and associated greenways, and argued that aging equipment and an expanded event schedule tied to the city’s America 250 celebration make the mowers necessary. "The estimated cost for the 2 motors is $35,498," she said, adding that possible funding sources include bed tax revenue, the general fund, or the capital equipment fund.
Councilmember Mister Stockman asked about the brand and whether the department had set funds aside for replacement. Miss Pastor said the parks budget is small and that earlier cuts required removing about $175,000 from next year’s budget to avoid a deficit; she said there was not sufficient carryover to absorb the mower purchase. She offered quotes and paperwork and agreed to forward materials to the finance committee for review.
Council members also noted there is foundation money earmarked for parks but discussed competing priorities, such as a bridge repair at Waterworth Memorial Park. The parks director said the foundation funds were likely to go toward the bridge repair.
No vote was taken on the purchase during the meeting. Miss Pastor said the council could approve the purchase at its discretion or include it in the 2026 budget; she noted the quoted price is the factory price and said she would provide written quotes to council members.
Next steps: Parks staff will provide quotes and budget materials to the finance committee for review and the council may choose to act at a later meeting or include the request in next year’s budget.
