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Commission approves $38,061.93 backhoe purchase for solid waste; transfer station repairs under review
Summary
The commission approved PO #7844 to buy a Cat 430 backhoe for the landfill to reduce repair costs and provide a 5‑year warranty. Environmental services staff also reported pending bids for transfer station gutter repairs and capital funds set aside for concrete work.
The Ellis County Commission approved purchase order number 7844 to buy a Cat 430 backhoe for the solid waste department, part of an equipment‑replacement plan intended to lower repair costs and provide a warranty and maintenance program.
Justin Craig, environmental services director, told commissioners the current backhoe (a model from about 2015) has seen rising repair costs and that a newer Cat 430 was recommended because the county’s existing solid Setco tires will fit the new unit and the vendor offered a 5‑year/4,000‑hour warranty and maintenance program. Craig said staff had solicited quotes from several vendors and worked with vendors to find a machine more suited to landfill work. The purchase price recorded in the meeting was $38,061.93.
After discussion about equipment fit and tire life, a commissioner moved to approve the PO; the motion was seconded and carried on an 'aye' vote.
Craig also updated the commission on transfer station building concerns. He said bids on gutters to redirect water away from the transfer pit are pending, and capital funds have been set aside for concrete and other long‑term repairs. Craig warned that scheduling significant repairs will require operational planning so the transfer station does not need to be partially shut down, which would cause backups and delays.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the approved backhoe purchase and continue to solicit a second gutter bid and prepare timing for needed transfer station work.
