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Freeman board weighs in-house snow removal vs. contractors, decides to continue contracting
Summary
Board members discussed purchasing a skid-steer hydraulic blade/pusher (estimated just over $4,000) to handle snow removal in-house versus continuing contractor services (last year’s minimum payment was $5,000). Concerns about equipment hours, maintenance and reliability led the board to continue contracting.
The Freeman School District 33-1 board discussed whether to move snow removal in‑house or continue contracting during its Sept. 8 meeting.
The superintendent said the district explored a hydraulic snow blade/pusher for a skid-steer that could perform both blade and pusher functions and estimated the equipment cost at “just over $4,000.” The superintendent compared that estimate with last year’s snow‑removal minimum payment of $5,000 and proposed the district could save money by performing most snow removal using existing staff and equipment when feasible.
Board members raised several concerns. One member noted the district’s skid-steer has high hours and that relying on in‑house equipment could create reliability risks if the machine needs repair during a snow event. Others questioned whether the district would receive competitive bids for contracted work if solicitation requirements or minimums were altered. A member said it is often easier to hold an outside vendor accountable when snow removal is needed quickly.
After discussing operational and liability trade-offs, the board decided to continue with contractor-based snow removal as in prior years rather than purchase and rely primarily on in-house equipment.
No final procurement motion was made to purchase equipment; the discussion was recorded for follow-up consideration by administration.
