City leaders got the ball rolling this week in purchasing some of the much-needed equipment for its public works department.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen selected the lowest and best quote from Hancock Bank during its Monday meeting. The lease/purchase agreement will be handled through the financial institute with its 48-month term.
The agreement will help fund the purchase of a John Deere Utility Tractor, a 2016 Alamo Versa Mid Mount, a John Deere Rear Grooming Mower and a John Deere Commercial ZTrac for a total amount of about $87,702.
City Clerk Mario Edwards said the city will save more money than anticipated to purchase the grass cutting and grooming equipment. In fact, the savings could be anywhere from $50,000 to $55,000.
“We are getting more equipment for less than the original purchase order,” Edwards said. “We will be saving some money, which is good for us.”
Edwards said these four pieces of equipment will help the city with its grass cutting and grooming, particularly along the Willie Morris Parkway.
The city board was presented with a more detailed list from Walter Williams, public works director. However, the request was for every piece needed for the department and came close to costing around $800,000.
“That large amount covered everything on the list, and we had to dwindle that figure down,” Edwards said.
The remaining items needed for the public works department is contingent on whether the city council will continue its own garbage collection.
“The board is still in the process of determining whether it will be cheaper to outsource that service or purchase the equipment,” Edwards said. “That is still in the works.”
