Starke County commissioners voted to move forward with buying a brush-chopping machine, with the $82,904.72 purchase to proceed only after county fiscal staff confirm available funds.

The highway foreman presented two vendor quotes and compared lead times and serviceability, saying one supplier in Florida quoted a model with an 8–10 week lead time while another local supplier for an Evergreen Aspen model had a unit in stock and a shorter lead time. Commissioners and highway staff emphasized parts availability and on-site serviceability as deciding factors.

Commissioner Donnie moved to approve the purchase pending confirmation from Rachel (the county fiscal officer) that budget funds are available and that proceeds from auctioning a John Deere unit could be used to cover part of the cost. The motion passed by voice vote. The purchase was described in the meeting as a combination of direct purchase and financing options; staff said an Evergreen lease option would defer the first payment until 2027.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm exact lead time once an order is placed and requested weekly procurement updates. The item will return for final ministerial confirmation once Rachel verifies the budget line and council procedures are met.