Low tender not accepted for dual use tractor in Wellington North

Municipalities generally choose the low tender when making a purchase - this however, was an exception.

But there was a reason.

As Wellington North councillors recently discussed a tractor purchase for the works department, a review was made of the works committee meeting regarding the purchase.

During that meeting councillor Bob Mason noted the John Deere tractor was best suited for walking trail maintenance. Works foreman Gary Matthews concurred it would be the best choice for sidewalk maintenance as well.

The purchase cost is to be split evenly between the works and recreation department and the original budget was set at $40,000.

While the majority of the works committee agreed with the John Deere recommendation, chairman Dan Yake did not.

The works committee recommendation was to purchase the John Deere tractor including attachments for $35,000 plus taxes - $39,550 - from Watson Tractors.

The lowest bid came from another local business - at $35,242 - but was not the same model or brand.

When the matter came up at council and the issue of the low bid was mentioned, Mason, who chairs the recreation committee stated once again, that particular piece of equipment was too large for the trails and that it would need tire changes to work on the sidewalks.

He suggested that if council chose to go with something other than the John Deere, the recreation committee would need to decide whether or not it was ready to split the costs for the purchase.