Council approves amended backhoe purchase

     A special Monticello City Council meeting was held on March 6 to approve the purchase of a new backhoe for the Monticello Public Works Department.

     At the March 4 council meeting, the council approved the purchase of a 2015 backhoe from Kromminga Motors, at a purchase price of $84,000. The approval was contingent upon securing a five-year warranty from Kromminga’s.

     After City Administrator Doug Herman met with Greg Kromminga to finalize the purchase, he received some new information regarding the purchase.

     The backhoe actually came with a two-year warranty, with an extended bumper-to-bumper one-year warranty for $2,791.

     The city would still receive a $29,999 trade-in value for their 2008 backhoe, bringing the price down to around $56,000.

     Due to the changes in the purchase, Herman felt a special meeting was needed.

     “It’s the best you can get with the extended plans and no deductible,” voiced Kromminga.

     The council asked Kromminga why the 2015 machine, which is currently out of state, had not been sold. Kromminga explained it’s a unique piece of equipment. “It has the ability to multi-task,” he said.

     Council member Chris Lux inquired as to why the city would need the extended warranty. Kromminga said while most farmers might not need it, he advises contractors and municipalities to purchase the additional one year. “It’s not that much more money,” he said.

     “We haven’t purchased warranties on things in the past,” said Herman. “But this one is not terribly expensive.”

     Council member Dave Goedken said he’s a firm believer in extended warranties.

     “The warranty is a good insurance policy,” Goedken said. “We spend the $3,000 and don’t use it, than so be it.”

     Mayor Brian Wolken asked whether Kromminga Motors would offer to provide regular maintenance on the machine.

     “All it takes is a phone call,” said Kromminga. “We can do it at our shop or the city shop.”

     Kromminga said the city is getting a pretty good deal on a backhoe with very few hours incurred. The backhoe is diesel-powered.