Village board approves purchase of a wood chipper and street sweeper; capital spending remains near budget

The Belgium Village Board approved funding Dec. 9 for the purchase of a wood chipper and a street sweeper, directing staff to use recommended low bids and the village’s capital-project budget to pay for the equipment.

Public works staff and board members reviewed multiple quotes and discussed equipment features such as engine configuration, suction capability and maintenance/trade-in considerations. One figure mentioned in discussion for a packaged option was $387,976; staff reported the capital projects budget is split by fund — roughly $290,000 general, $70,000 water and $70,000 sewer — and that using the recommended low bids would come in under the general-fund allocation by about $15,400. Marshall (S3) moved to approve funding for the Brooks wood chipper and the Envirotech sweeper; the chair (S1) seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

Board members asked about delivery timing and whether prepayment would be advisable; staff recommended against prepaying unless a significant discount were offered, noting short-term interest earnings would offset immediate prepayment concerns. The board approved the purchases and the item will proceed through the village’s capital procurement process as recorded in the meeting packet.