By Vernon Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

After significant deliberation over several months, the Moapa Valley Water District (MVWD) Board of Directors narrowly approved the purchase of a new Caterpillar backhoe for the district.

The bid price for the backhoe came in at $71,000. But it was also decided that the district would trade-in its oldest backhoe, rather than keep it as a spare for high demand situations. With the trade-in, the new unit was priced at a cost of $46,301 to the district.

Even though funds for the purchase had already been budgeted and set aside, some board members were concerned about making the purchase at a time when revenues were down for the district. Board member Randy Tobler said he would prefer to delay the purchase for the time.

“We have seen a down-trend on water sales and we aren’t doing any new connections,” said board member Randy Tobler. “And all the while revenues are down we are seeing employee salaries and benefits at almost 50% of income. We have some tough decisions ahead and I’d rather make this one now to keep expenses lower.”

Tobler said that, in conversations with staff he had been told that a new backhoe would be nice but that the district could still get by without it.

“I realize that we have the funds set aside, but I’d rather cut back and keep the funds for the future,” he said.

But staff members in attendance at the meeting emphasized the strong need for a new backhoe. Distribution manager Joe Davis said that the current backhoe, which has been in heavy use at the district for over 11 years, is experiencing problems in accomplishing some of the tasks required of it. Having a backhoe with limited functionality causes troubles with workflow and could potentially bring safety issues as well, Davis said.

MVWD field staff member Lon Dalley also stated that the equipment was needed now. “Sure you could wait,” he said. “But the backhoe is our bread and butter. If the backhoes don’t run, we don’t run. Our backhoe is 13 years old. We use it every day and it is just wearing out. This isn’t a want, it is a need.”

Board Chairman Ken Staton agreed that there was a need for updating this important equipment. “Gentlemen, I know that we have to cut back but I don’t think that cutting a backhoe is a wise decision,” Staton said. “We are on the ragged edge right now. They have been using this one (backhoe) for a long time. If it ends up going down during an emergency situation, then we will be kicking ourselves.”

Staton made a motion to approve the funding for purchase of the new equipment. The motion was approved with a 3-2 vote. Staton, Blackwell and Dalley voted in favor. Carson and Tobler were opposed.