The Town Council has approved $139,595 for the purchase of a new backhoe for the town’s equipment fleet.

Public Works Director Justin Weldy told the council that the backhoe the new one will replace is 20 years old and due for replacement. He said the purchase was planned for July in the next fiscal year; however, it became necessary to make the purchase earlier.

The backhoe is in need of $33,000 in repairs. Weldy said storm cleanup operations last fall placed unanticipated stress on the equipment prompting them to move early on the purchase.

Councilman David Spelich asked about warranty options for the equipment.

Weldy said the current machine had absolutely no issues covered by warranty for the first 15 years of operation. He said he believes that kind of track record does not indicate any benefit from an extended warranty.

Vice Mayor Art Tolis asked about purchase of a used backhoe or renting or leasing equipment.

Weldy said the town’s current vehicle replacement policy does not allow for purchasing used equipment. He said timing is an issue with renting or leasing, as there is often a lead time for delivery. With something like storm clean-up there is no lead time.

When asked how often the backhoe is used, Weldy said it was often used daily but currently it is used several times a month.

The funding for the purchase is coming from the town’s vehicle replacement fund.

The council voted 6-0 to approve the purchase with Councilman Dennis Brown absent.