Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roads Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jefferson County approves $426,417 Aetnaire chipper after equipment review
Summary
County road staff recommended buying an Aetnaire chipper to handle 3/4" aggregate and to match distributor spray width; commissioners approved a $426,417 purchase and directed staff to issue a purchase order.
Jefferson County commissioners on Dec. 8 approved the purchase of an Aetnaire chipper for $426,417 after Road & Bridge staff presented equipment comparisons and operating needs.
Road & Bridge staff Mike told commissioners that newer chippers vary in their ability to run 3/4‑inch aggregate and that the Aetnaire’s auger and full‑length feed roller reduce bridging and produce cleaner chips. He said lease‑return Volvos and similar used machines were available but had higher hours and less favorable warranty coverage; a new Aetnaire was priced about $25,000 more than recent quotes if the county delayed.
The board discussed operational tradeoffs — width limitations (16 ft vs. 18 ft), distributor spray widths and the ability to avoid follow‑up passes — and requested comparable tractor and mower quotes before proceeding with related capital purchases. A commissioner moved to approve the Aetnaire purchase; the motion passed on roll call and staff was directed to prepare a purchase order.
The purchase will be funded from the road impact fee/capital equipment lines identified by staff. Commissioners and staff said they will continue reviewing related mower and tractor purchases but wanted to secure the chipper price before an anticipated vendor increase.
Next steps: staff will finalize procurement paperwork and return with any related tractor/mower procurement proposals for further review.
