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Council rejects purchase from employee, then authorizes Town Manager to buy mower under $10,000
Summary
After councilors and the town attorney raised ethical and policy concerns about buying a used mower from an active employee, a motion to buy the employee's mower for $5,000 failed 3–2; the council then authorized the Town Manager to find a replacement mower with a budget not to exceed $10,000.
Town Manager Bryce Simmons requested permission to purchase a used 2022 Cub Cadet 60" zero‑turn mower with 119 hours from the Public Works Director for $5,000 to replace a failed Hustler mower at the sewer plant. Several council members and Town Attorney Chris Corbett expressed ethical and policy concerns about buying equipment from an active town employee.
Councilor Bob Pittis moved to approve the direct purchase for $5,000, seconded by Councilor Erica Wade; the motion failed on a 3–2 vote. Voting no were Vice‑Mayor David Hoback, Councilor Rebecca Adcock and Councilor Jeffery Houchins; voting yes were Pittis and Wade.
After the failed motion, Councilor Rebecca Adcock moved to authorize the Town Manager to find and purchase a replacement mower with a budget not to exceed $10,000. Councilor Jeffery Houchins seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The council did not direct a specific vendor; the Town Manager was authorized to procure a replacement within the approved budget limit.
