Skid steer purchase postponed – again

The board of aldermen in Mountain View have received four bids for buying a new skid steer. Two bids received were from S & H Farm Supply and Hayden Machinery in West Plains during the city council meeting on July 14, and two bids received during last month’s council meeting. The board members reviewed them silently for about five minutes. 

 

Alderman Calvin Perry expressed his displeasure with how long it is taking the board to get “the equipment that these people need in this city to work.” He then called for an audience member to sit down and listen to him. It has been two months, and they have not bought the equipment needed, even though they have the money to, Perry continues. In response, a different audience member told Alderman Perry to “get your head out of your butt.” Mayor Karen Gaddy called for order.

 

The board is looking at buying a new skid steer over a used one, since the city has bought used equipment for the last six to seven years. The bid the board received on July 14 was for $67,000 for a new skid steer. The warranty is for 3,000 hours over three years. The audience voiced disapproval of buying new equipment for one department and used for other departments.

 

The aldermen pointed out that the brand-new equipment they have bought in the past is still running, while the used equipment they have bought is not. The city equipment is also not used by just one department, the aldermen pointed out.

 

A motion to postpone was made by Alderwoman Gail Wallander, seconded by Alderwoman Jennifer McAdams. Aldermen Perry and Toby Orchard voted nay during the roll call and Mayor Gaddy had to break the tie with a nay vote. Wallander claims that the bids opened last month were illegal since the bids were refused initially, and the city received a new bid they did not solicit. Wallander refused to vote on or accept any bids. Alderman Orchard announced he will not buy a used skid steer. The mayor called for a five-minute break. 

 

After returning, the aldermen decided to postpone and meet again on July 24 to continue the discussion on the skid steer purchase, allowing them time to contact companies and receive new bids.