Commissioners support Highway Superintendent's request to purchase Vac/Jetter Trailer, seek Council's funding

The Marshall County Commissioners supported Highway Superintendent Jason Peter's request to purchase a slightly used 2020 Vac/Jetter Trailer for his department.

During Monday’s Commissioners meeting, Peters said he had rented the equipment for two months, and when they started using it, it had 11 hours on it. He told them they have many more projects requiring digging to locate utilities in the right-of-way, including fiber.  He said it's almost a must-have situation.

The trailer-mounted vacuum/jetter machines remove oil, liquids, and solids from job sites. They can also locate underground utilities and safely excavate around them without causing damage. 

Peters said a new one costs about $200,000. Brown Equipment has offered the county this one for $135,000. They are even willing to use the 2-month rental toward the purchase price if the county chooses to purchase it, leaving an amount due of $122,000.

Peters said if the commissioners support his plan, he will need to go to the County Council for an additional and plans to use the Cum Bridge Fund to purchase the equipment.

Commissioner Stan Klotz said that if the county were to damage a fiber line, it could cost from $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the size of the line.

County Attorney Sean Surrisi said a purchase above $50,000 is generally due through a bid process.  There is a special purchasing statute, so when you have a unique opportunity to get equipment at a discounted price, you need to follow the statute.  He asked the Highway Superintendent to share the information with him so he could seek the council’s approval with the proper documentation showing it falls under the special purchasing authority.

The County Commissioners unanimously approved moving forward and having Peters approach the County Council for funding.