Howard County approves $188,109.76 tractor purchase and authorizes pursuing diesel contract after bids read
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Summary
The highway department committed to purchase a John Deere tractor with a diamond mower arm for $188,109.76 (budgeted in 2026) and the board authorized staff to pursue a diesel fuel contract with Keystone Cooperative if the bid conforms; the board took remaining bids under advisement.
Amber, representing the Highway Department, requested the board commit to purchase a John Deere tractor with a diamond mower arm at a cost of $188,109.76 from the 2026 equipment budget to replace an East-side unit no longer feasible to repair. Amber said the county would not pay until the equipment is received and that committing now locks in price given long lead times; the board approved the commitment.
Amber also read a list of bids for annual materials and supplies submitted by multiple vendors — Keystone Cooperative (diesel fuel), Milestone Contractors (precast prestressed beams), Wardstone (stone), Asphalt Materials (asphalt emulsion and fog seal), J and J Concrete (precast box structures), Heidelberg Materials, Martin Marietta, and E & B Paving (various items). She recommended contingent authority to award the diesel fuel contract to Keystone Cooperative provided the bid packet conforms to bidding requirements because diesel prices fluctuate. Commissioners moved and seconded the request to pursue the Keystone Cooperative diesel bid if conforming; the motion carried and the remaining bids were taken under advisement.
Amber reported two pricing options for diesel: a firm price of $2.29622 per gallon or a fluctuating price of $3.4274 per gallon (decision between the two to be determined based on bid terms).