Commissioners approve $88,431 for transfer station

 

MILL SPRING—Polk County is purchasing a new John Deere backhoe for the transfer station after the current one’s transmission is out. 

The Polk County Board of Commissioners met Monday night and heard from solid waste director Larry Walker. 

Walker said the current backhoe has been running about 7-8 years and it is something that is used every day. The transmission is out and the department has already spent $20,000-$30,000 in repairs in the backhoe. 

Walker said he found a used backhoe that is a 2013 model for $58,000, which had no warranty. He said he called a John Deere distributed in Asheville, who would sell a 2019 model for $88,430.50, which has a 4 year warranty. 

“I think you made the right decision on the new one,” said commissioner chairman Tommy Melton. 

The money to purchase the new backhoe will be taken from the solid waste fund balance. 

Commissioner Ray Gasperson asked how the solid waste fund balance will be after this purchase. 

County Manager Marche Pittman said Walker does have some extra expenses this year, including some flooring that has to be done, but the fund balance will still be healthy. 

The new backhoe will be purchased from James River Equipment out of Asheville. The suggested list price of the equipment was $166,850, according to the quote.