The Town of Georgetown will shop outside the county when it purchases two lawn mowers at a Charlottetown company for close to $6,000.

The town is buying two ride-on mowers from Reddin Farm Equipment at a total cost of $5,798 plus tax.
The purchase received unanimous approval at a recent town council meeting.

McGowan Tractor and Equipment, in Summerville and Kings Auto Parts, in Montague were considered in the purchase. However Councillor Wade Williams, who holds the Public Works and Properties portfolios, said Reddin Farm Equipment had the better deal.

“It was basically the same price but with this one the warranty was better, and it was a more heavy duty machine for the same price.”
Coun Williams said the town tries to buy locally as much as possible, but with big ticket items the town goes after the best deal.

Coun Williams said the town purchased a tractor last year from McGowan Tractor and Equipment because it offered the best financing package.
“With bigger items, we have to do what’s in the best interest of the town. When it comes to the town’s finances, you have to get the best bang for the buck.”

The town has a number of push mowers to cut the grass at town properties. There is also a ride-on mower used specifically for the gardens behind the Kings Playhouse, but the town has already put in $800 in repairs last year. Coun Williams doesn’t expect it to last much longer.

The councilor said having two ride-on mowers will allow staff to cut the grass more quickly and free them up to do other duties.
“With the push mowers, we couldn’t seem to catch up,” he said. June.