The Trenton City Council last evening voted to pursue the purchase of a tractor to tow a trailer to spread sludge from the wastewater plant.
Purchase of the trailer also was authorized. After reviewing options to purchase a new or used tractor to replace a truck that was recently sold, the city council voted to seek bids on buying a 2015 or newer, John Deere tractor.
City attorney Tara Walker explained the city’s purchasing policy requires bids to be sought if the cost exceeds $10,000. Bids are to be advertised for ten days, then opened, with a recommendation to be made to the city council.
TMU officials reviewed information on a basic John Deere tractor still in inventory from 2015 with 142 PTO horsepower. The quote to purchase was listed at $119,500. It was noted TMU has a $100,000 CD earning one point 7 5 interest that’s maturing soon which could go toward a purchase. The other option, though not being pursued, involved a municipal lease with John Deere for five years with payments of $28,000 per year.
As of February 28th, 142 dry tons of sludge has accumulated which is nearly one point three million pounds. Approval was given by the council to spend $38,500 dollars to purchase a sludge spreader trailer from Sydenstrickers of Chillicothe. It was the lowest of three bids submitted last month.
