Kimball city officials have included an estimated $31,000 into their 2012-2013 budget to cover the cost of a new tractor for the maintenance department.
Last week, the Kimball Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to put out bids for a new tractor after the city’s current one broke down on several consecutive days.
Kimball Mayor, David Jackson, said a tractor is essential to the maintenance department.
The Mayor said they were really hoping to wait until the end of this year or the first of next year before making the purchase, however the current tractor is around 15 years old.
Officials with said maintenance supervisor Mike Nelson will draw up the specifications for the bids so the town will get exactly what it needs, including the brand.
Nelson said an enclosed cab, which would have heat and air conditioning, was not included in the initial price estimate because that could raise the price much higher than the budgeted amount.
Just a basic enclosed cab with no heat or air could raise the price by as much as $12,000.
City officials say they will probably purchase a separate plastic attachment to enclose the cab in order to save money.
Bids for supplying the tractor must be received by 4 p.m. CDT on Sept. 6th.
Information from: Chattanooga Times Free Press
