Used tractor eyed for highway crew

The Jay County Highway Department will spend $20,000 after a trade-in to purchase a tractor to be used for brush cutting.

Highway superintendent Ken Wellman approached the Jay County Commissioner Monday to inform them that his employees had inspected a 1999 Massey Ferguson tractor being sold by a dealer in Plymouth.

Wellman first pitched the idea to the commissioners in late April. The Massey tractor would replace the department's current 1986 John Deere, which will require about $6,000 of repairs this year if kept.

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The Massey tractor will also increase safety for operators, since the bush ax will be able to be side mounted. The current tractor has a rear mount, so drivers must turn around in their seat to view the cutting.

After review, Wellman reported that the Massey tractor is in good working order and said that with a trade-in of the department's current equipment, the cost would be $20,000.

The tractor will be paid for in two installments, with half being paid this year and the other payment being made in January 2011 when the highway department is operating on a fresh budget.

In other business Monday, the commissioners:

•Signed an ordinance lowering the speed limit to 35 mph on county road 200 South from U.S. 27 to the old railroad bed west of Nan Del Lane. Appropriate signage will be posted by the highway department.[[In-content Ad]]