Jun 17, 2010 By Steve Ferris 1 min read

FAIRCHANCE – Borough council on Wednesday tentatively agreed to rent a skid loader for three months then buy it through the state piggyback program. Council made its agreement with Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. of Murrysville for the $35,500 Caterpillar loader contingent upon solicitor Simon John’s review of the lease and sale documents.

The cost includes an enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning, a front window guard, an extra wheel and tire and an extended warranty.

Councilman James McDonough said he also obtained price quotes from a Daewoo dealer and a John Deere dealer, and the Caterpillar price was the second cheapest.

He said Cleveland Brothers credits all of the first three monthly rental payments toward the final sale price and attachments such as a street sweeper can be rented when they are needed.

After the first three months, 80 percent of the rental payments would be credited toward the purchase, John said.

The company charges 6 percent interest on financing.

Council President Richard Pukl said the final $9,000 payment on an existing borough truck would be made next month. The general fund, water fund and Liquid Fuels fund can be used to make the payments on the loader, he said.