Huntsville Council agrees to a $241,800 deviation in the 2026 budget

The town will have replace a backhoe years earlier than expected

Huntsville Council agreed to a $241,800 deviation in the 2026 budget, in the February 23, 2026, meeting.

The decision came from a staff recommendation to replace a 2014 Case backhoe that was initially slated for replacement in 2029.

Staff advised that they realized “that it wasn’t going to make it as long as it’s supposed to,” and “felt it better to put money into a new unit.”

After being questioned about why it only lasted for 9 years when it was expected to last for 12 years, staff indicated, “in the past things got missed.” However, they’re focused on more preventative maintenance now.

They added, “We can’t foresee these issues in the future because we’re repairing them more on a regular basis.”

Council discussed the unplanned cost to this year’s budget and the potential to rent at $3,500 month until the time it’s budgeted for purchase.

Councillor, Jason FitzGerald, inquired about why a cost breakdown comparison wasn’t included in the report so they could evaluate differences such as maintenance and other costs against different options.

He inquired about proof to show purchasing is better than renting. He asked, “Where’s the breakdown to show the comparison?”

FitzGerald said, “I don’t think we’ve had a fair cost analysis – a full cost analysis regarding the difference in costs of renting versus purchasing.”

Staff advised that they could return with a report with a cost analysis for Council consideration at a future meeting if directed to.

Councillor, Scott Morrison, raised concerns about the early purchase to the impact on the tax levy and taxpayers.

He suggested that moving forward they investigate what other municipalities are doing as well, regarding consideration to other options such as renting, adding “that’s why banks don’t own their buildings anymore.”

Staff said, “This is a bad apple…the equipment failed sooner than anticipated.” They added that they can return with a more in-depth report, however, they preferred “to have a yes” to today’s request.

Council decided that postponing the replacement would result in further delays in work that is needed.

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, supported the staff recommendation. She added, “I think we’ve exhausted this issue.”