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Commission denies $505,000 excavator purchase after debate over budget and staffing
Summary
The Walker County Commission declined a $505,000 purchase order for a new Greatall excavator after public-works staff cited operational need but several commissioners raised budget concerns and urged negotiating the roadside mowing contract to free staff.
The Board of Commissioners voted on Dec. 4 to deny a $505,000 purchase order to TEC Tractor and Equipment Company for a 2025 Greatall excavator after extended discussion about fleet needs, staffing and budget timing.
Bobby, the county Public Works foreman, told the board the county maintains roughly 650 miles of roadway and needs additional heavy equipment for ditching, tree removal and storm response. "When I came here 16 years ago, we had three greatalls... we've been down to one for quite a while," Bobby said, describing how a tree strike recently damaged equipment and left the county short-handed.
Several commissioners supported the need for equipment but said the price — roughly half a million dollars — represents about 12% of the road department’s annual budget and was not included in the current budget cycle. One commissioner recommended finalizing negotiations on the new mowing contract, which could free road crews for additional duties, and then budgeting for a heavy machine in the next cycle rather than approving an out-of-budget purchase.
Members debated tabling the item versus denying it outright; the chair warned that the quoted price might rise if deferred. After discussion, the board proceeded with a vote on a motion to deny the purchase request. The motion carried by voice vote.
Funding context provided in the meeting: $114,000 of SPLOST funds remain that could be applied to equipment; the chair said the remaining balance would come from the county general fund if the purchase moved forward.
Next steps: commissioners said they would revisit equipment needs after the chair negotiates the mowing contract and the road department provides updated cost and staffing projections. Any future purchase would be considered in a formal budgetary context.
