Hillsboro delays backhoe purchase, explores snow truck and tractor options; school seeks city help for CDL program

HILLSBORO — During new-business discussion on Jan. 5, Hillsboro public works staff asked the commission to move a planned backhoe purchase to next year and instead evaluate alternatives, including a snow truck and a 40-series John Deere tractor equipped with a batwing mower. Staff said choosing the tractor/mower combo could eliminate the need to rent a tractor annually. Commissioners asked staff to return with additional information at the next meeting.

Commissioner Myers introduced the procurement discussion and the commissioners agreed to defer a final decision until staff provides more cost and timing information. The item was described as a planning request; no formal purchase was authorized at the meeting.

Separately, the commission heard from a local school representative seeking City support for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program to be offered somewhere between Fargo and Grand Forks. The school requested that the city consider helping with program funding; testing would remain with the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Commissioners expressed interest and requested follow-up detail before any commitment.

The meeting also included operational updates relevant to public safety and city services: Commissioner Pohlkamp reported the new brush truck for the fire department is operational and that the department received a $10,000 grant for new equipment. The Sheriff's Office reported that the countywide radio system will be programmed this week with a goal of full operation across Traill County by March 1, 2026.