Keith County reviews motor‑grader bids; decision deferred to next week

Highway Superintendent Thomas Wilbur and vendor representatives reviewed competitive bids for motor graders at the Oct. 15 meeting.

Vendors presented models that met most specifications; discussion focused on trade‑in allowances, warranty terms and optional reuse of front‑lift groups. The transcript records a John Deere 672P price of $417,500 with a $117,000 trade allowance (net $300,500) and a CAT 140 bid of $419,650 with a $106,745 trade allowance (net $312,905). Representatives noted warranty and maintenance packages, including a seven‑year/7,000‑hour comprehensive warranty or service plans that would add long‑term parts and service benefits.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about horsepower, warranty coverage and whether certain permanent feature activations met the bid specifications. Because some members had scheduling conflicts and one commissioner planned to give a proxy, the board agreed to revisit the purchase decision at the next meeting when full consideration and a recommendation could be presented.

No procurement motion was adopted Oct. 15; staff will return with a recommendation and clarified bid sheets.