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Council weighs buying an excavator and trading in oldest backhoe
Summary
City staff proposed buying an '85-model excavator compatible with existing attachments and trading in a 2003 backhoe with about 3,000 hours; council discussed using auction or local buyers for surplus attachments and the logistics of moving heavy equipment.
City staff told the council they plan to replace aging fleet gear by purchasing an excavator that will accept the city's current attachments and trading in the oldest backhoe, a 2003 unit with approximately 3,000 hours on it. "We're replacing 2 20 year old piece of equipment with a brand new 1 then," one staff speaker said, arguing the new machine would be more versatile and easier to move with the city's dump truck and trailer.
Members debated how to dispose of surplus attachments and the retired backhoe. Staff said local dealers may not want used attachments and recommended sending them to auction with a reserve; one councillor suggested trying local buyers first and reserving the auction price if needed. Council members also raised scheduling and logistic issues about relying on the county to move heavy machines, and discussed whether reducing the number of backhoes would reduce maintenance overhead.
The exchange included an estimate of the trade-in differential and a suggestion to demonstrate the machines if buyers request it. No formal motion or vote was recorded on the purchase during the workshop; staff said they would pursue the auction/reserve approach and return with refined numbers and timelines.
