Spencer County to pursue purchase of CAT backhoe pending financing

Spencer County commissioners voted to pursue purchasing a new CAT backhoe, contingent on financing terms they later agreed to finalize.

The meeting included detailed discussion of three equipment options: two used machines and a new CAT model. Speakers reviewed hours, warranty packages and purchase/lease terms cited in staff materials. The transcript records figures discussed during the meeting: a buyout/lease-purchase option for a CAT model was cited at about $75,000 for a lease option with a purchase buyout figure discussed around $71,000; a new CAT machine list price was discussed roughly as $133,500 with a 60-month lease option at about $2,619 per month. Participants also discussed extended warranty options (examples in the transcript include a powertrain/hydraulic extended warranty and monthly warranty costs varied in the discussion).

After exploring operational needs, anticipated annual hours and warranty trade-offs, the court recorded a motion: ‘motion by Jim, seconded by Dan, to pursue purchasing the CAT backhoe contingent upon financing arrangements being acceptable.’ The motion passed by voice vote. The court also discussed selling the existing backhoe at auction, with members agreeing the equipment auction would likely reach more bidders than a private sale.

Why it matters: replacing or adding heavy equipment affects the county’s capital budget, maintenance schedules, and operational readiness for roadwork and storm response. Commissioners emphasized matching machine capability to actual expected use (several speakers noted the machine is not used daily and recommended balancing cost versus anticipated hours).

Next steps: the equipment committee will gather financing options and return a recommendation at a subsequent meeting; the court will also proceed with preparations to offer the existing backhoe at auction.