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Council approves $49,215 excavator purchase after debate over district priorities; one councilmember votes no
Summary
Council authorized purchase of a Kubota excavator at $49,215.92 (budgeted at $56,293), with staff citing about $6,000 in savings and the machine replacing a 12‑year‑old unit; a councilmember from District 3 urged postponement citing unfinished projects and Wells voted against the purchase.
The Hammond City Council approved a resolution to purchase a Kubota KX030‑4R1 excavator for $49,215.92 under state contract. Staff said the machine was budgeted in FY27 at $56,293 and the contract price represents about a $6,000 saving.
City staff said the excavator will serve the building maintenance division for sidewalks, parks, drainage and other routine city work, and described it as a replacement for an aging unit (staff reported the outgoing machine is about 12 years old).
A councilmember representing District 3 urged delaying the purchase, arguing that projects from prior budgets in that district remain incomplete and that the council should finish earlier work before approving new purchases. That councilmember repeatedly pressed staff for assurances that district projects would not be displaced by new purchases. Staff replied that capital outlay projects generally proceed as funds become available and that some projects are in design or bid status.
On the vote, the council approved the purchase by majority roll call; the transcript records multiple 'Aye' votes and one 'No' vote by Councilman Wells.
