Local business owner outlines plan to expand mower and arborist sales, asks board about support

Garrett (speaker 3), a local business owner, told the board he has added staff and seen increased sales and asked whether the board would consider assistance as he pursues an opportunity to become a Ferris zero‑turn dealer. He said much business has shifted to his shop after a nearby business lost mechanics and that he is considering stocking both Ferris zero‑turn mowers and arborist climbing equipment for local arborists.

Garrett described two cost scales: he estimated a modest initial request of "at least 10" (interpreted as 10 units of retail inventory or $10,000 in starter support), and he also noted that manufacturer floor plans for a fuller Ferris inventory could be on the order of $150,000. He said the arborist equipment order is about $4,500. "It's all kinda hit us at one time, and I think it's too good an opportunity to pass it up," Garrett said.

Board members asked whether the request was for inventory, dealership rights or equipment and whether a brand franchise or floor plan would be required; Garrett said the Ferris items would likely be placed on a floor‑plan financing arrangement while smaller arborist items would be a direct purchase. The board did not record a motion specifically approving county financial assistance for Garrett during the transcript.

The discussion closed with staff indicating they would follow up with Garrett about possible next steps and whether the board wished to consider a closed session discussion for restricted business or industrial expansion tied to property acquisition or disposition.