Commissioners hear options for replacing loader

After learning that Bourbon County Public Works Department is in need of a loader to rent, lease or purchase, representatives from three equipment dealers made their way to the Bourbon County Commission meeting Friday armed with proposals.

After hearing the presentations, Commission Chairman Allen Warren said the information would be reviewed and a decision will be announced at the June 2 meeting.

Richard Johnson of Foley Tractor offered a new K 924 loader for $155,829, which could be leased with an option to buy. His company is offering a 12-month lease for $4,602 per month with balance of $112,560 remaining, which could be financed at that time; a 24-month lease for $3,145 per month with a balance of $97,125 to be financed; or a five-year lease with 10 semi-annual payments of $16,986.83 and own the machine at the end of the lease.

With the 12- and 24-month lease agreement the county could turn the loader back in for another machine, Johnson said.

The county also could rent the loader for $4,700 per month.

Johnson offered the county three-months interest free with 100 percent of the rent applied to the purchase price. After three months, the county could continue renting and the company would begin charging interest, but it would not be retroactive, Johnson said.

Although the company also has a used loader for sale at $128,100, Johnson did not recommend that loader, as it does not have all of the features of the new machine.

Travis Clinesmith of Murphy Tractor offered a new John Deere 524 loader with 30 demonstration hours for $122,648.

Another option is a 2012 loader with 455 hours, priced at $112,648. Because it's in the rental fleet, the machine still qualifies for government discounts, Clinesmith said.

A third option is for the county to order a loader direct from the factory at a cost of $125,638.

No matter which machine the county chooses to rent, the payment would be $3,500 per month. It also has the option to buy after three months and not make a payment until January. Clinesmith also offered zero percent interest during the rental period and after three months the county can name its own payment if it chooses to purchase the machine. The county can also rent for three months and not make any purchase payment until January.

Steve Richard of Berry Tractor provided information on a new Komatsu WA270-7 loader. The base machine $129,500 with a one-year contract and monthly payments of $1,885 and zero percent interest for 12 months. The county also could may quarterly payments of $5,655, semi-annual payments of $11,310 or pay the balance up front after the contract expires. The balance would be due after 12 months.

Berry Tractor brought a loader for the county to test. The loader sells for $135,500 and can be rented for $3,700 per month.

Murphy Tractor also provided a loader for the county to test. Warren asked if it would be reasonable for a decision to be made June 2.

"It does as long as we can continue the demos," Harris said. "Otherwise, we'll have to shut down the rock quarry or the bridge crew to load asphalt."

Harris said the new loader would be used at the asphalt plant during the summer and material to treat roads in the winter.

On Monday, Harris said the county's 1979 loader was pulled out of service because of chronic brake issues. That move shut the bridge crew down so their loader could be used at the asphalt plant.

Harris said the loader would be placed on the online auction site, Purple Wave. Warren said the county is considering trading in a 1997 Catepillar grader.

Other county business

* Commissioners waived the fee on a permit that will allow Craw-Kan Telephone Co-op to lay a telephone line underground in two locations -- 130th Street and Tomahawk Road.

* Commissioners approved a permit for a new culvert to be installed by the county at 2130 Jayhawk Road.

* Kevin "Skitch" Allen returned to the commissioners to again discuss allowing contractors the opportunity to install culverts for rural property owners. He has presented his case to the commissioners on several occasions. On May 12, he suggested the commissioners require private contractors to pay a fee for an inspection of their work.

The county's current resolution requires property owners to pay for the materials for a culvert installation, which would be done by the county culvert crew. The county will maintain the culvert, as the ditch is the county's property.

On Friday, Allen clarified his request by saying he believes if an individual would like to do their own work, that should be allowed, also.

He said he spoke with Warren before Friday and asked, under the county's resolution, how much the fine is if a person is found to have installed a culvert themselves or hires a private contractor. He also asked if they knew of anyone doing the work against the county's resolution. Allen said one of his friends, and also a customer, has done the work themselves, but would not name the individual.

On May 12, Allen said an individual has asked him to install a culvert, but he is not doing anything until the commissioners make a decision to amend their resolution.

Warren said the county passed the resolution in 2013 after problems were discovered with culvert work done by a pipeline company. At that time, the county also implemented a permit program for companies wishing to cut through county roads in order to lay utility lines.

* A bid for fish food was awarded to Miller Feed of Fort Scott, which submitted a bid of $744.50 per ton for floating feed that is 32 percent protein. Big Sugar Lumber also submitted a bid for $795.60 per ton, or $19.89 per 50-pound bag for 32-percent protein floating feed.

Last year the county used 4 tons of feed, according to Harris.

* Warren reported he and Maintenance Supervisor David Neville climbed up and looked at the flat roof on the county attorney's office, which is need of replacement. Warren said it appears the seams might be the source of leaks, which could be temporarily remedied by using tape and sealer.

On Monday, commissioners rejected two bids they had received for replacing the roof because the bids came in higher than the county has in its budget.

* A 10-minute executive session was held with Harris to discuss non-elected personnel to protect their privacy. No action was taken.