Commission approves culvert and mower purchases and accepts Buckeye Wind donation for fire department

Ellis County commissioners on Dec. 16 approved several routine procurement items and accepted a private donation to offset emergency response costs.

Public works director Brandon McKay asked the commission to approve PO 7964 to Wellborn Sales for an 8‑foot culvert to replace bridge FAS 360. McKay said engineers determined a culvert will adequately handle drainage and that replacing the bridge deck in 2026 remains part of longer‑term plans. The commission approved the PO on a voice vote, 3–0.

On equipment, county staff recommended replacing an aging boom mower and tractor used by the Noxious Weed/road program with a Wildcat mid‑mounted boom mower and a 2026 John Deere tractor. McKay said staff tested multiple configurations and favored the Wildcat for maneuverability and lower up‑front cost; the Deere offered preferred cab comfort and a recommended extended warranty. Commissioners approved combined purchase orders for the mower and tractor; the motion passed 3–0.

The commission also accepted a donation from Buckeye Wind Energy to the Ellis County Fire Department. Assistant fire director Lyle Pantle said the donation will help purchase and outfit a heavier chassis and associated skid unit for wildfire/rescue responses and to offset training and equipment costs related to incidents at the wind facility.

No additional county dollars were allocated beyond the approved POs; staff said some purchases will be charged to operating funds now and capital accounts next budget year as appropriate.