Wayne Council approves $222,601 purchase for new DPW loader

The Wayne City Council voted July 7 to approve the Department of Public Works’ purchase of a 2026 John Deere 524P high‑lift wheel loader for $218,701.88, plus an optional five‑year, 3,000‑hour extended powertrain and hydraulic warranty for $3,900, for a total not to exceed $222,601.88.

DPW staff member Dave Schmidt told the council the purchase will replace an older loader and keep the city’s fleet reliable during storms and other large‑scale responses. He said the machine being replaced was the department’s oldest unit; the city expects long life from the new model and noted a $10,000 trade‑in estimate included in the backup materials. Schmidt recommended considering the extended warranty after the department experienced a hydraulic issue on a recently purchased backhoe that was covered by warranty.

Councilman Quarrels moved to approve the purchase and the motion carried by voice vote. Council discussion included confirmation that the item was in the capital improvement plan and questions about expected service life, operator certification, and logistics for taking possession; DPW staff said delivery was expected mid‑September if council approved promptly.

The approved authorization includes the listed purchase price, the $3,900 warranty option, and trade‑in considerations. No roll‑call or named vote tally was recorded in the transcript; the clerk announced the motion carried.

The council did not attach additional conditions to the approval. The city will place the replaced machine on auction or otherwise dispose of it, consistent with the trade‑in information in the staff memo.