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Pratt approves $316,715 purchase of Vermeer demo directional drilling unit to reduce street disruptions
Summary
The commission approved purchase of a 2024 Vermeer demonstration directional drilling unit for $316,715.34, which staff said could cut open-trenching by roughly 50–60%, reduce repeated street cuts and save long-term repair costs.
The Pratt City Commission voted to buy a Vermeer directional drilling demonstration unit at the recommendation of utility staff to reduce open-cut trenching and recurring street repairs.
Melvin Clay, who presented the purchase options, said the demo unit has 345 hours and listed three options ranging from a demo machine at $316,715.34 to newer, higher-priced models. "This method will still require some open trenching, but overall, we should be able to cut back on open trenching by 50 to 60%," Clay told commissioners, adding the machine would allow the city to reduce traffic disruptions and free street crews to address other repairs.
Staff recommended the demo Vermeer as the best value given existing capital reserves and prior vendor demonstrations in the city. Commissioners asked about useful life, service contracts and rental-cost payback; staff said comparable equipment historically reaches many thousands of hours and that rental savings could make the purchase pay for itself within several years.
A motion to approve the purchase was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor and approved the expenditure. Staff said funds will come from capital equipment reserves and that a small remaining balance will remain in the line item after purchase.
