Council discusses USDA grant application to replace aging backhoe

The council discussed Resolution 146, a proposal authorizing the city to apply for grant funding to buy a replacement backhoe for emergency and street operations.

The chair said the city had two comparable equipment quotes and explained the financing plan: “we can give a backhoe a brand new one, 90 something thousand dollars for about 15.” He and other members told the council the trade-in value quoted by vendors was $15,000 and that one machine (a Case model) was preferred by the operator because of familiarity and service considerations. The chair also read aloud that the resolution would authorize application to the USDA community facilities grant program and the rural services community grant program.

A council member moved to submit the grant application for the Case backhoe described in Resolution 146; another member seconded the motion. The chair called for those in favor and asked if any opposed. The transcript records the motion, second, and the voice vote call but provides no roll-call tally or signed vote record.

Why it matters: replacing the city’s aging backhoe is framed as necessary for emergency response and routine public-works functions. Council discussion highlighted trade-offs between a used, lower-cost machine and a new unit with warranty, parts availability, and service after the sale—factors the chair said weigh in favor of a new Case machine.