Miller County commissioners approve purchase of larger excavator after trade-in review

During routine business the board considered replacing the county's mini-excavator with a larger 318-class machine described by staff as roughly double the weight of the current unit.

Staff reviewed trade-in and buyout figures, estimated the new payment would be about $1,400 higher than the county's current $2,600 payment, and recommended adding a protective forestry guard to reduce damage from limbs. Staff said the trade allowance would remain the same even if delivery was delayed.

After discussion about size differences, protective packages and financing, a commissioner moved to proceed with purchase of the 318 excavator; the motion was seconded and approved without recorded opposition. Staff will finalize the trade and procurement paperwork and confirm any additional costs related to the forestry guard.

The board did not detail a final payment schedule or vendor name in the meeting record; staff said they will confirm those specifics and follow up with commissioners.