A controversial John Deere
June 5, 2012 at 7:00 pm in Alexandria Echo Press
A decision about a $14,553 mower for the Alexandria Park Department triggered a lengthy debate, a split vote and concerned comments from business people unhappy with the price quoting process.
It happened during the Alexandria City Council’s May 29 meeting. Park Director Bill Thoennes asked the council to accept a quote of $14,553 from Midwest Machinery for a 2012 John Deere mower. Continue Reading
I don’t understand the thinking of the Park Dept. I see commercial lawn mowing done with X-Marks and other equipment. How long does the Park Dept. keep the lawn mowers that are purchased and how old is the current equipment? Do they have employees to utilize another lawn mower? It was mentioned in the article that they have 25 parks and 200 acres to maintain. Where are these parks? As a city resident, I would like to know where all the city parks are located. I’m ok with the purchase of a lawn mower if needed, but is it completely necessary at this time? With money stretched so tight and the city on a slim budget, maybe we need to cut back on spending money that is not for a needed necessity. Last thought on the subject. Is Midwest Machine in the city of Alexandria? If not, shouldn’t the city be more active to purchase within the city limits. That is where they are getting some of their budget from. Glad to see our city council is thinking of its residents.
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According to the map on the city website Midwest is outside of city limits. Assuming they really need a mower it would seem that they should go shopping to see what is available in city and if “acceptable” make sure the spec does not exclude it. Rather than locking in on a John Deere and making the specs exclude everything else.
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To address Goober’s comments: The park department has a schedule and budget to replace equipment that is planned out for several years. A list of just some of the city’s parks (17 of them) can be found in the Echo Press publication, Guide to Douglas County, that’s on the front page of our website.
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I for one think it is NUTS to spend $15000 on a mower! I am one of those commercial lawn services in town here, we run all Exmark mowers! Just bought 2 new ones today for a bit over $10,000 each, we run 14 hours a day 6-7 days a week with no problems and save the $5000.00 a year. What do they need a diesel mower for anyway… more expense in fuel, upkeep, and purchase price! Just another way they spend our money foolishly, just like all the brand new trucks that never leave town! What is the point…
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