Fairborn approves $47,030 purchase of compact excavator to boost utilities work

The Fairborn City Council authorized Resolution No. 98-13 to purchase a Bobcat E42 compact excavator from Clark Equipment at the state bid price of $47,030.88. Assistant Utilities Superintendent Marcus Lehotay said the machine will make it easier to access 80 percent of the city's water and sewer infrastructure located on streets and will minimize yard restoration when working off-road.

Lehotay told council that the city's current fleet includes rubber-tired backhoes but not a tracked unit with the excavator's capability to dig and load while keeping a lane of traffic open. Council members agreed the purchase would expand in-house capabilities and increase operational flexibility; the resolution passed unanimously (Yeas seven, Nays none).