Callahan County approves equipment purchases, cancels delayed John Deere order

Callahan County commissioners moved several procurement items on Jan. 12, canceling a late John Deere delivery, approving alternate equipment purchases and authorizing financing for a tractor for Precinct 2.

A commissioner said the county had previously ordered two John Deere motor graders for Precinct 4 but would cancel that purchase because John Deere could not meet the delivery schedule. The court approved canceling the John Deere order by motion.

The court then approved purchasing two Caterpillar motor graders, which a commissioner said can be delivered on time. Each Caterpillar motor grader was presented at a quoted price of $289,780.83 and the county intends to finance through Caterpillar-related financing. Commissioners discussed pricing and financing terms during the item.

Separately, the court approved purchase of a John Deere cab tractor with a boom mower for Precinct 2 at a stated price of $186,323.38. Commissioners then approved financing for that tractor through John Deere Financial at an interest rate presented as 4.75% for five years.

All procurement motions recorded during the meeting passed as presented with the court announcing "All in favor, none opposed." The county attorney had reviewed cancellation of the prior John Deere order and advised the court that canceling the order was within the county's rights if the vendor could not deliver on schedule.

Next steps: the county will proceed with Caterpillar financing for the graders and finalize financing paperwork for the John Deere tractor; exact contract documents and repayment schedules were not included in the meeting record.