Fiscal Court authorizes repairs and two tailgate spreaders for county public works

Public-works staff presented a detailed inventory of snow and salt-spreaders, describing several aging V-boxes that need chains, bearings and other replacement parts and quoting prices for electric conversions and new boxes.

Dakota and other staff detailed repair estimates: a full electric conversion and rebuild for some boxes was quoted around $4,800–$4,900 per unit, while a complete new poly box option would be closer to $9,342.94. "To switch it over to total electric, we're looking at a rough figure of $4,876," a public-works technician reported.

After discussing tradeoffs between repairing older boxes and outright replacement, the court approved a motion to repair a flatbed spreader and to purchase two tailgate spreaders (up to $5,000 per unit) to get additional reliable equipment into the fleet. The motion — described on the record as spending "up to $15,000, $5,000 per unit" for the two tailgate spreaders and approving repair authorizations — carried on voice vote.

Members requested staff continue to present comparative warranties and life-cycle cost estimates for future purchases and to consider storage and preservation improvements so replacements last longer.

Next steps: public-works staff will proceed with the approved repairs and purchase two tailgate spreaders within the approved limits and will return with more precise vendor selections and final invoices.