Allen County is the proud owner of a new tractor.
After some discussion with public works director Mitch Garner and a presentation by Robert Storrer of Heartland Tractor, commissioners approved the purchase of a 2020 Maxxum 135 Active Drive 4 Case IH tractor.
The purchase price is $99,500, and should be available for use in January 2021.
The machine comes with a standard warranty of 24 months or 2,000 hours, and operates at speeds up to 25 mph.
Commissioners also considered bids from Prairieland Partners John Deere, but the purchase price was higher and the machine would not have been available until next summer.
Chris Matthews of Prairieland Partners and Robert Storrer of Heartland Tractor met with Mitch Garner and Pam Mueller of public works last week to go over details before making a more formal presentation.
It is unclear what the fate of the county’s old tractor will be, and whether it will be used for trade-in or sold for parts.
Along with the new tractor, the county also purchased salt for de-icing roads during the winter months.
Commissioners voted to accept a bid from Frank Bills Trucking for $9,750, which calculates to about 200 tons of salt at $48.75 per ton.
The county also considered bids from Central Salt and Arlyn Briggs.
The purchase represents a savings on salt over last year of $54.75 per ton.
IN OTHER news, commissioners accepted the resignation of emergency communications director Angie Murphy.
Murphy, who manned Allen County’s dispatch center for the past 12 years, has been hired by the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council, to help enhance 911 services statewide.
“I am very grateful for the mentors and friends I have gained throughout my employment,” she said in an email to the Register.
Murphy helped oversee several enhancements to the county’s 911 system through new technology, equipment and training services.
“My time serving the Allen County citizens in this role has been nothing short of rewarding and fulfilling,” she said. “I look forward to remaining active in my volunteer efforts and remaining an Allen County citizen.
