Silver Creek Township approves used F-550 and OKs Cat track loader after 3-1 vote

The Silver Creek Township Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 22 to approve two major equipment purchases: a used 2013 Ford F-550 from Lundeen Ford for up to $33,000 and a Cat compact track loader for $59,614.31, with an 84-month warranty priced at $1,990.

Chairman Mike Helman moved to approve the F-550 purchase; Vice Chairman Brandon Geyen seconded and the motion carried 4-0. Helman then moved to purchase the Cat compact track loader; Supervisor Andy Christensen seconded and the motion was recorded as carried on a 3-1 vote. The minutes do not identify which supervisor voted against the loader purchase.

The board also approved a motion to construct two 100-foot radius turnarounds (either to the west or east of the proposed Big Rigs property) with the township supplying the gravel. That motion was recorded as carried with Supervisor Christensen noted as abstaining; the minutes state “Carried 3-0. Christensen abstained,” indicating three yes votes and one abstention.

The F-550 and the Cat loader purchases were presented as part of new business and recorded as budgeted authorizations to spend up to the approved amounts. The minutes do not include additional debate, detailed funding sources, or a roll-call assigning the lone ‘no’ vote in the loader purchase. The board did not attach conditions to the purchases in the meeting minutes.

The board announced Silver Creek Township will host the Wright County Township Officers meeting on Jan. 9, 2025, as part of the same new-business item. The meeting adjourned after routine closing motions.