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Board authorizes negotiation to buy used Case backhoe, sets $100,000 cap
Summary
The Farmington Board of Selectmen authorized town staff to negotiate the purchase of a 2023 used Case backhoe for Water/Sewer use, with an amendment limiting total cost to $100,000; the motion passed unanimously and staff will return with a financing plan.
The Farmington Board of Selectmen on April 20 authorized town staff to negotiate the purchase of a used 2023 Case backhoe for the Water and Sewer Department, approving an amended motion that capped the total price at $100,000.
Charles Tiffany, Water and Sewer Department Supervisor, told the board he inspected units from the dealer and said the machine he recommended had about 2,000 operating hours and an emissions warranty that runs to 3,000 hours. "The warranty going forward will be emissions warranty up to 3,000 hours; currently the machine has 2,000 hours on it," Tiffany said.
Board members discussed attachments and condition. Tiffany said the machines are "very nice" cosmetically, with clean interiors and good tires; he noted an optional hydraulic thumb would cost about $6,000 and a set of forks about $7,000. Members considered expected remaining life, usage estimates (300–400 hours annually for town use) and warranty coverage.
Finance and funding were central to the discussion. Tiffany reported Sewer’s Capital Reserve Fund showed $212,772 but that a recent cemetery land payment plan reduces available Water funds; Town Administrator Jason Henry said staff would return with a financing plan. Chairman Charlie King said he preferred to allocate the machine primarily to Water and Sewer for accountability of maintenance and upkeep.
Motion and outcome
Selectman John Scruton moved, and Ann Titus seconded, a motion authorizing the Town to proceed with negotiation for the purchase of the backhoe from Beauregard, amended to set a not‑to‑exceed price of $100,000 (the amendment offered by Scruton included attachments). The board voted 5‑0 in favor.
Next steps
Tiffany will inspect incoming units, identify the best machine among the lot, and staff will return with a concrete payment plan and any recommended attachments to finalize funding and purchase details.
