Highway requests auction allowance

The impact of the troubles facing machine production continues to alter the way that the Adams County Highway Department is being forced to go about their daily business. Deputy Superintendent Paul Zerby explained that in the search for a new dirt loader, he found one exactly like what the county would be looking for on an auction site.

The price at the time of $90,000, which fell within the amount they were willing to spend, however before any action could be taken, the loader was gone.

The situation resulted in Zerby requesting a limit amount from the County Commissioners that he will be permitted to spend on the vehicle. In total, the requested amount was $150,000, with the idea that Zerby could spend the amount at any time to obtain a dirt loader if it matched the specifications that the Department is looking for.

“A brand new one is pushing like $260,000 to $265,000, and you can find some really good used ones for under $100,000,” explained Superintendent Brad Yoder. “Ideally we won’t come close to the maximum.”

“I have found several online but they are here today and are gone tomorrow,” explained Zerby. “I am asking for the allotment of the $150,000 so that if we see one, we can jump on it if it will suit our needs.”

There was some question about the regulations regarding such a request. Typically, when a purchase is requested over a certain amount, the local government is required to obtain three separate quotes to ensure that they are making the best decisions at the best price. Since the request was for a maximum amount at a public auction rather than a purchase at a dealer in the private sector, the bid requirement does not apply.

“The more you document it the better,” stated County Attorney Mark Burry. “Document that you are trying to get one at the best price that you can get. We are looking for something used to save us a lot of money on a specialty piece of equipment. So if you find something under $150,000 make sure you document it and explain that it’s much better than $265,000.”

It was acknowledged that the current dirt loader owned by the County is possibly from the 60s and replacement parts are getting harder to find for it. The machine is used when the Department does berming on county roads.

The next Adams County Commissioner meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7th at 10:00 a.m.