Town fast-tracks purchase of tractor

Approval to buy a 2007 multi-purpose tractor for $156,532 was given at a recent council meeting. The tractor will be used for snow clearing on sidewalks in winter and park maintenance in the summer. Only one company bid during the tender process, and Wards 1 & 2 Regional Councillor Clark Somerville wondered if the Town would have received a better price if it had negotiated directly with the company for this specialized piece of equipment. Staff said to do so would require a change to the Town's purchasing policy. Staff originally intended to buy the tractor next year, but it is needed for snow clearing this winter, so it bumped the purchase order ahead. Funds will come from the equipment reserve.