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Thurston board authorizes purchase of $403,126 John Deere grader using USDA loan
Summary
The Town Board approved Resolution #5 (2025) authorizing purchase of a 2025 John Deere 772GP motor grader at $403,126.71 and authorized the Town Supervisor and Highway Superintendent to execute purchase contracts; the board voted unanimously to accept USDA financing at 4% interest.
Town Supervisor Michael Volino and the Thurston Town Board on March 19 authorized the purchase of a 2025 John Deere 772GP motor grader for $403,126.71 using a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The board voted on Resolution #5 (2025); Holly Chase moved the resolution and Noel Sylvester seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous: Chase, Gee, Volino, Sylvester and Hargrave all voted aye.
The grader was presented to the board by Jeff Shearing, sales manager for Five Star Equipment, who told the board that because the town is part of the Office of General Services contract it can buy at state bid price, a 42% savings from retail. Staff discussed financing options presented by Supervisor Volino and Highway Supervisor Ben Smith: a USDA loan (noted total cost cited in discussion was $403,126 at 4% interest), a used 2019 model, John Deere financing and leasing. Board members expressed concern about buying multiple new vehicles this year but favored the USDA loan with the possibility of early payoff; the board expects to put the town’s old grader up for auction with an anticipated minimum of $60,000 toward the purchase.
The resolution authorizes the Town Supervisor and Superintendent of Highways to execute necessary contracts and agreements for the purchase. Supervisor Volino said the Highway Department will provide operator training once the grader arrives and that the town maintains about 55 miles of road.
