The Marshall Municipal Utilities Board of Public Works considered a bid for a new mini skid steer during its meeting on Thursday, August 3.

The board previously approved purchasing a $62,563.46 Ditch Witch SK800 with a trailer and attachments in February 2023. However, the unit the board wanted to purchase has been difficult to find, and a sales representative has offered an SK900 as an alternative.

Electric Distribution Director Doug Root said the board could either wait at least 45 days for the new unit, or purchase the new unit with a cost difference of $2,042.62 more. The board approved a motion to purchase the new SK900 mini skid steer. The purchase still comes in under the $65,000 budget.