New trucks, snowblower OK’d

McCOOK, Neb. — The McCook City Council approved Monday night purchasing slightly more than $700,00 in new equipment for the city

The equipment purchases were on the consent agenda, which the council approved without discussion with the rest of the consent agenda items.

The most costly item is a new excavator truck for the water department at $434,317.01. No bids were taken for this purchase; the city used Sourcewell as the purchasing agent. Sourcewell joins in with other units of government in the cooperative purchasing of supplies and equipment. The city manager’s report said by choosing this method, the city saved $12,177. According to the city manager’s report, the truck has many of the same options as the current hydro excavator the city uses, but on a much larger scale and has faster digging times, easier transportation to and from water leaks and fewer trips for dumping. The purchase was included in the 2022-23 city budget.

Other approved purchases were:

— For the cemetery and sidewalks, one new 2023 John Deere 1025r Sub-compact Utility Tractor, including a 54-inch heavy-duty snow blower and 60-inch heavy-duty rotary broom from AKRS Equipment Solutions for $35,282.50, utilizing a Nebraska Statewide Contract in participation with the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO). There is $43,000 in this year’s budget for the purchase.

— For trash pick up, one new collection vehicle from Nebraska Truck Center of North Platte, Neb., for $252,578.00. It was the only bid received. The last time the city purchased a new collection truck was in 2010 for $162,291. Funding for this truck comes from the reserve account in the city’s collection equipment fund.