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Onalaska board approves loader and snowplow purchases; both under budgeted equipment funds
Summary
The board approved a Case loader purchase not to exceed $224,000 and a Cage Innovations snowplow for $43,641, with staff noting parts availability and operator visibility as deciding factors and that combined purchases remain under the budgeted equipment line.
The Onalaska Board of Public Works unanimously approved two fleet purchases on April 7: a Case 621G2XR extended‑reach loader (recommended price with trade options not to exceed $224,000) and a Cage Innovations 12‑ and 4‑foot wing snowplow for $43,641.
Fleet supervisor Jim Hansen explained staff reviewed four bidders and five bids and recommended the Case loader for operator visibility and fleet parts commonality despite a lower‑cost Hyundai option. Hansen said parts and service for Case are accessible and that the city could sell the old loader at auction to offset trade value.
For the plow, Hansen said the Wisconsin‑made unit (Cage Innovations) offers faster parts availability than some Canadian alternatives and projected a carbide cutting edge life of six to eight years; routine blade purchases would be covered in operating budgets. Staff said combined purchases — loader and plow — remain under the $270,000 amount previously budgeted for the two units.
Board members asked about budgets and lifecycle costs; staff responded the loader/plow combination fits the current capital plan and that a demo/ride‑along for the plow could be arranged. Both motions were approved by voice vote.
