Parmer County approves $126,500 backhoe purchase and two-year financing for Precinct 1

The Parmer County Commissioners Court on April 8 approved a $126,500 purchase of a 2024 Caterpillar backhoe for Precinct 1 and authorized two-year financing for the remaining balance. Commissioner Kirk Frye told the court he plans to apply a $42,320 trade-in allowance and $30,000 from the county capital budget toward the purchase, leaving $54,180 to be financed through Security State Bank.

Commissioner Casey Russell moved to approve the purchase and financing; Commissioner Charles Wilkins seconded. The motion carried by a majority vote. The court record notes supporting documents were attached to the agenda item.

The purchase replaces older equipment in Precinct 1 and will be managed by precinct staff. The court did not specify repayment terms beyond the two-year financing period or the expected annual budget impact; those details were listed in the attached procurement paperwork but were not read into the record during the meeting.

The approval completes the board-level authorization for the procurement. Any final loan documents and delivery timing will be handled by county staff.