Commission approves purchase of backup tractor and authorizes surplus of aging unit

County staff told commissioners the arena's small tractor had reached the end of its useful life and that the county has experienced repeated repairs on the primary unit. Staff presented two quotes and recommended a mid-grade 70–80 horsepower tractor obtained via state bid as a smaller unit that can clean stalls and serve as a backup to the larger John Deere.

Commissioners debated whether to lease equipment versus purchase and whether the county should buy a mid-grade model rather than the lowest-priced option to reduce maintenance downtime. Staff said the replacement was available under state-bid pricing and that most warranty periods mentioned in the packet averaged about three years.

A motion to purchase the recommended tractor from contingency funds and to surplus the unit being replaced was made and seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. Staff will confirm final price, warranty length and whether any parts are covered by warranty, and proceed with procurement and surplus steps.