SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council approved two equipment purchases Tuesday with a 3-1 vote. Council vice-mayor Brett Kerkman was absent and Councilman Jeremy Lee voted against the purchases.

Sidney Parks Department Superintendent Chase Frerichs presented the City Council a proposal to purchase a new mower and a UTV.

"The Parks Department seeks council's approval to move forward with the purchase for a new 1575 72-inch front-deck mower," Frerichs said. "During the 2025-2026 budget sessions, 72-inch front-deck mower was identified for purchase, and during that time we appropriated $35,000 for this piece of equipment."

He said Council has approved the purchase in 2007, 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023. 

"Through the Capital Equipment purchase, the Parks is replacing a 2015 John Deere mower with 2,000 hours of operation," Frerichs said. "21st Century of Sidney is a Sourcewell Cooperative so this is recognized under the bid under the contract section. Sourcewell helps government, education, non-profit agencies operate more efficiently."

He said the John Deere 1575 can be used for lawn maintenance and for snow removal.

Prior to the vote, resident Eric Pool shared some concerns he had with purchasing the mower and Gator.

"The City currently has one of these John Deer mowers in their fleet; I believe almost the same model," Pool said. "It was purchased about 18 months to two years ago. I know because I off-loaded it off the truck. It's a very luxurious piece of equipment. It is the top in the industry; pretty much. John Deere is considered the Ferrari of it's industry, far above average in quality and price. It's my understanding the mower that's being replaced is only about eight years old."

He said his concern is if the purchase is only because it is budgeted, or if the mower is worn out. 

The total cost of the mower and Gator is $44,132.95. The purchases will come from the City's Capital Equipment Purchase Budget.