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Commissioners authorize Road & Bridge to order graders and direct early plow-truck purchase
Summary
Grand County Road & Bridge won approval to order three John Deere graders after favorable trade-in/buyback terms and received board direction to proceed with ordering a McCandless plow truck for 2026 delivery amid significant bid price variance.
Road and Bridge staff told commissioners the county could secure strong trade-in and buyback terms by purchasing new John Deere graders, and the board authorized the purchase and chair’s signature to finalize sales agreements.
Zach Brody, Road and Bridge, explained the procurement context and comparative offers: “John Deere came in at $746,639.85, And Cat came in at $894,102,” and noted John Deere’s willingness to include a buyback at the same price at the end of a seven-year term. Commissioners probed service and contract terms; staff identified nearby service centers in Commerce City and Grand Junction and said legal review would vet contract outs clauses.
The board also discussed a separately bid plow truck: McCandless quoted $360,508.86 while Transwest bid $442,737.85. Staff sought direction to order the McCandless unit early to secure an expected 2026 delivery window; the board gave direction to proceed and incorporated anticipated replacements into the 2026 budget planning.
Why it matters: the purchases renew aging fleet used for snow removal and maintenance and include significant capital outlays that were represented as already budgeted in the 2026 proposal. The John Deere trade-in offer — and the large difference in plow-truck bids — prompted commissioner questions about long-term service, resale buyback conditions, and procurement risk.
Next steps: staff will finalize sales agreements subject to legal review and move forward with procurement actions and budget confirmations.
