The Utilities Department is requesting Commission approval for the purchase of a new Caterpillar 420-4ECA, Backhoe in the amount of: $139,212.89 purchased through Sourcewell Contract # 011723-CAT.COI.  Funding for this purchase is included in the budget from Account No. 501705 55020

Please note the attachment for details on pricing and equipment specs and options.....

This will be an additional backhoe for the Utilities Department.  Water distribution has one that is getting near the end of its time.  We plan to leave that machine at the water plant at Lago Mar since it takes approximately 1 hour to drive it out there.  Most of the work is in older Texas City and this is where the new machine will be utilized most frequently.  Leaving the older backhoe at Lago Mar will not only save man-power and reaction time logistically, but will also provide maintenance cost benefits from decreased engine hours and tire wear on the new backhoe.
 

It is our recommendation that the Mayor and City Commission approve the purchase of this new piece of equipment for continued timely and reliable utility service repairs for the citizens and businesses of Texas City.