Some big-ticket items, albeit financially painful for Allen County Commissioners to sign off on, will give the public works department some much needed upgrades. RICHARD HINES, an attorney out of Erie, came before commissioners to garner permission to form a sewer district for Petrolia. IN OTHER BUSINESS:
Public Works Director Bill King, along with representatives from Murphy Tractor, Twin Motors Ford, O’Malley Equipment and Foley Equipment, came before the commission to vie for bids. The results were as follows:
— Commissioners approved a bid from Twin Motors Ford to purchase a new F-550 4-wheel-drive bucket truck. The truck will include an air compressor for the bucket lift and joystick controls. The cost for the truck was $83,210.
— Foley Equipment, Chanute, was selected to provide county crews with a new motor grader for $143,250. King said crews tested machines from both Murphy Tractor and Foley Equipment, and ultimately went with the Cat 12M2 machine.
— A decision for purchase of a new boom mower was tabled for a week, following a recommendation from King to move ahead with one of the larger ticket items of four bids. The John Deere 6115M with a 22-foot boom attachment will run the county $104,990 from O’Malley Equipment.
While there were lower bids from Sellers and Murphy Tractors, King said he would like the opportunity to work with a heavier machine like the John Deere, for the safety and convenience of his employees.
“The bigger mower, more stable, is a better call,” King said.
Commissioners reported they will review the details before making a decision.
Originally a “company town,” Hines said the rural water district has been operating for the past 35 years. Recently, the district was informed they may not legally apply for grants and loans — for work such as dredging the lagoons — without forming a sewer district.
“Our petition is a little late, about 35 years late actually,” Hines told the commissioners.
County entities have authority to grant the district designation outside of municipalities, allowing them to operate on their own accord — as they’ve been doing for the past 35 years. Their approval was granted as the sewer district no. 3.
— Angela Murphy, 911 director, was given permission to purchase three new chairs for her department. The chairs are known as “24/7 chairs” by the 911 department, she said, because they are used all day long. Commissioners granted approval for three chairs, at a cost of $1,015.44 per chair.
— A hearing for budget amendments was set for Dec. 31 at 11 a.m.
Public works gets early Christmas
