Commissioners Vote On Split Decision To Purchase Trackhoe

On a divided vote, the Roosevelt County Commissioners decided to purchase a trackhoe during a special meeting on Wednesday, July 5.

The lone bid for a 2014 John Deere trackhoe at a cost of $107,225 came from RDO Equipment of Williston, N.D.

Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said the trackhoe is the right size so current equipment can transport it to work sites.

Oelkers added that in the past the county spent about $8,000 to rent backhoes twice when work needed to be done on culverts.

Commissioner Robert Toavs said it would be nice for the county to have the equipment necessary to reach a culvert when the problem needs to be addressed quickly.

“It’s a tool that once you have it, it will have more uses than you thought possible,” Toavs said.

He added the downside is the amount of money the equipment costs.

Commissioner Gary Macdonald pointed out that it would be cheaper to rent equipment considering how little the trackhoe might get utilized.

Toavs said he feels the county needs the piece of equipment.

“But I do see where you’re coming from,” Toavs said to Macdonald.

The motion passed by a 2-1 margin with Macdonald the lone dissenting vote against the purchase.