County commissioners are using the courtroom for their meetings for the time being so they can adhere to the social distancing health directives in place for the state.
Commissioners get bids to replace damaged dozer
Perkins County commissioners opened bids from three different companies during their April 6 meeting to replace the county’s dozer.
The Caterpillar dozer was damaged beyond repair last summer when one of the pits it was in flooded during a late summer deluge. The machine was mostly submerged, with water coming all the way up to the cab.
Last fall, commissioners accepted an insurance settlement of more than $90,000. They then began looking for another dozer, seeking bids recently.
Two of the bids were for used machines similar to the one the county previously owned while the third was for a brand new machine.
Titan Machinery submitted a bid for a new Case Model 1650 at $249,000.
Murphy Tractor and Equipment bid a used 2014 John Deere model 750 at $149,500.
Nebraska Machinery Company’s bid included three different Caterpillar D6N machines. The bid included a 2005 model for $85,600, a 2013 model for $167,500 and a 2014 model for $169,500.
The commissioners took the bids under advisement and will likely make a decision at their regular meeting Monday.
Commissioners will continue to meet in person, using the courtroom so social distancing standards can be observed.
In addition, no more than 10 people can be present in the courtroom at one time.
911 plans progressing
Sheriff Jim Brueggeman said he has filled all of the dispatcher positions for the planned July reopening of the 911 communications center.
He said he has met with fire chiefs in the county to discuss their needs and is working to ensure they get the product they need.