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Franklin County votes to buy $202,000 CAT backhoe for transfer station
Summary
The commission approved purchase of a 2025 CAT 420 backhoe for $202,000 from Foley, funded from the self‑supported solid waste special caps fund; staff cited frequent breakdowns and 12,400 hours on the old 2010 JCB unit as justification.
Franklin County commissioners approved the purchase of a 2025 CAT 420 backhoe for the transfer station at a total cost of $202,000, to be paid from the self‑funded solid waste special caps fund.
Peg, a county solid‑waste staff member, told commissioners the transfer station’s 2010 JCB backup backhoe logged more than 12,400 hours and required frequent off‑site repairs during 2025. Staff recommended the county trade the old JCB with a $10,000 trade‑in allowance and move the current daily machine into a backup role.
"It has over 12400 hours on it, and it's been turning into a very costly machine for us to keep," Peg said, arguing the new unit and the recommended service package would reduce downtime and long‑term costs.
Commissioners discussed sourcing and service plans, noted the purchase will not come from property tax revenue because the solid waste department is self‑funded, and moved to approve the procurement. The motion carried with all commissioners present voting yes.
The procurement includes an extended service package and a $10,000 trade allowance for the old machine; staff said the purchase aims to ensure continuity of solid waste operations and reduce repair downtime.
