The Ellis County Commission approved three bids for equipment purchases for Public Works at their weekly meeting Monday night.

• 2015 Western Star Truck from I-70 Truck Repair for $80,500
• Dump Box from Hays Truck and Equipment for $23,150
• Mower Tractor from Sellers Tractor for $94,900

There was a lower bid for the dump box, by Truck Parts, but there was a concern because of the lack of information, that they may have trouble finding replacement parts so the Public Works Department recommended approving the Hays Truck Equipment bid.

The Commission also approved taking bids to purchase a new 2013-14 SUV for Fire District 1. Ellis County Rural Fire Director said the last time he had a new vehicle was in 2005 and it has over 147,000 miles on it.

Klaus said they have already sent out letters requesting bids to local dealers as well as to a dealer in Topeka and one in Wichita. The bids are due back by Wednesday.

The vehicle will be purchase using money that was left in the Fire District’s Budget.

The Commission also got a monthly update from Holly Dickman with the Ellis County Extension