Houston County approves ABC contract and a package of equipment purchases, tables one bid

The Houston County Board approved several routine but budgeted contracts and equipment purchases during its meeting, including an annual agreement with Ability Building Community (ABC) and multiple pieces of highway and maintenance equipment.

Amelia, presenting the ABC contract, said the organization requested about a 3% wage increase (approximately 53¢) and a 2% rise in the aluminum redemption rate for services provided at the county recycling center; commissioners confirmed required liability insurance was on file and approved the contract.

On equipment, staff reviewed options for a 2026 Western Star recycling truck and related attachments. Commissioners discussed factory and extended warranty coverage, agreed to pursue 5-year extended warranties for chassis and engine/after-treatment coverage (150,000-mile/5-year package was recommended), and approved the truck purchase; the board noted a private donation from Johnson Farms toward funding.

The board approved a Western Star chassis purchase (staff quoted $163,556; Mack was quoted at $165,799.92) and the Towmaster plow-box and attachments (quote $217,462). A proposed replacement skid steer with competing bids (RDO $60,000 vs. Midwest Machinery $64,764.63 with an $8,000 trade reduction) was tabled to obtain a non‑trade price from Midwest. The board approved a 72-inch drum mulcher on state contract ($49,950) and two replacement mowers ($13,450 each) as budgeted items.

County highway staff outlined a cooperative agreement with the City of Houston for project SAP 028-013-013 (County Highway 13 reconstruction) that splits responsibility for road and utility costs, and the board approved that agreement after confirming the city had already approved it.

Several approvals were unanimous; the board held one item (skid steer) for follow-up pricing before final action.