SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council Tuesday approved the purchase of a mini-excavator for the electric department.

The bids came in at $30,251.32 plus tax for a Bobcat E20 with a July delivery date. The City also received a bid for a Cat 301.7 at a price of $40,185 with a March delivery. Mike Palmer, Electricity superintendent, said the mini-excavator is not an equipment replacement. The machine will be used with horizontal directional drills with the ongoing underground conversion project. The small size of the mini-excavator will allow crews to maneuver in tight areas.

Bids were solicited with a Sourcewell procurement contract.

The city council approved budgeting $50,000 for a mini-excavator in the 2022-2023 budget. The council approved purchase of the $30,251 Bobcat E20 with a July delivery date.

In other business, the council approved the purchase of a van for public transportation. The City's share of the cost for the new van is about $6,500; approved an ordinance approving revisions to the City's codified ordinances, approved fascimilie signatures; appointment of Brad Sherman to the Housing Authority board; and the re-appointment of Scott McDaniel and Steve Hume to the Board of Adjustment.