Guelph Eramosa council has decided to scrap its lone grader after receiving a report of an estimated $80,000 bill to bring it up to grade.
Director of public works Saidur Rahman told council scrapping the Volvo grader is the only option open to the township. He said a report is expected to council on options for getting a new grader either through a leasing arrangement or purchase. The cost of a new grader he estimated at about $350,000.
“The township grader is a critical piece of equipment for the public works department. It operates almost daily maintaining and clearing snow on the township’s 59 kilometres of gravel roads,” he said in his report. “The current vehicle has been in use by the township since 2006. In the past two years, the township has spent more than $70,000 on its repair and maintenance. Recently, the grader again experienced mechanical difficulties. After an extensive assessment it was determined that the equipment needs major repair which would cost approximately $80,000.”
The department is currently renting grader services at a cost of about $1,000 per day.
The township originally leased the Volvo grader before purchasing it two years ago for $84,000.
Rahman estimated selling the current grader could bring in about $40,000.
He added discussions he has had with officials in Centre Wellington uncovered similar difficulties with a similar machine.
“It’s always difficult to second guess a previous decision,” Mayor Chris White said of the decision to purchase the grader in the first place. “Clearly this equipment has worn out quicker than we anticipated.”
CAO Kim Wingrove said the township thought it had purchased a good piece of equipment because the engine had been replaced.
“We thought we’d get more years out of it,” she said.
Councillor Corey Woods said based on the purchase price and the repairs that have taken place and are needed, it would be prudent for the township to sell the grader.
Council agreed, declaring it surplus equipment.
