Jefferson County board members on a special meeting morning authorized the Road and Bridge superintendent, Mike, to bid up to $15,000 on a dump trailer listed in a Ritchie Bros. auction that ends at 2:00 p.m. the same day.

The vote followed a short presentation by Mike, who described the trailer as in “really good shape,” with a Ford axle, recent undercarriage work and replaced brake components visible in auction photos. Mike said the auction began the previous day and that the bid had already reached about $10,000.

County officials discussed budget and logistics before voting. Mike told the board he had roughly $11,500 left in the major equipment budget line and estimated transport would be about $2,000 plus an auction buyer’s fee of roughly 10 percent. Unidentified Speaker 1 moved to authorize the superintendent to bid up to $15,000; the motion was moved and seconded and a roll call recorded at least two ayes (Mr. Hart and the chairman). The transcript does not record a full named tally for every member.

Board members said they preferred to avoid trailers that would require large repairs later, noting past purchases that needed extensive work. Mike argued paying more now could save repair time and staff labor later: “You’re talking, say, a job takes me two weeks, I can almost cut that in half with these,” he said, describing efficiency gains.

On payment, Mike said Ritchie Bros. requires a credit card on file; he planned to speak with Christine to raise his card limit and said he could alternatively complete a wire transfer. He said he would monitor the auction through its 2:00 p.m. close and could place backup bids on other low-priced trailers if appropriate.

Following the authorization, the meeting adjourned. The superintendent will proceed to bid within the $15,000 cap unless staff report otherwise.