The Wayland City Council Monday evening approved the outright purchase of a new front loader for $167,209 from the CAT dealer on 76th Street, Grand Rapids.

Department of Public Works Director Coleman Lutz said the current front loader is 22 years old and its condition has deteriorated enough to make tasks much more difficult, so a new unit will make a difference immediately, particularly in pickup of leaves.

The cost will be absorbed by the city’s equipment fund, which has about $225,000 in fund balance. City officials decided to pay the full price rather than pay over time with about a 2% interest rate.

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel reasoned, “If we have the money in the equipment fund, let’s use it to buy the equipment. Why should we pay interest on a loan?”

Council also discussed buying a refurbished hydro VAC truck for drains to reduce waste on the backhoe.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting the council:

• Was presented with statistics on sewer and water rates in Michigan by interim City Manager Larry Nielsen, who reported Wayland is on the low end of charging residents for water, sewer and combined water and sewer services by comparison.

• Was told the contract with Republic and Allegan County for recycling services is being delayed until perhaps December. There aren’t any substantial changes expected. Wayland residents now pay $36 per year per household for curbside recycling.

• Approved the final payment to Langlois & Sons for paving at the East Maple Street project.

• Was told by Sewer and Water Director Ben Bachelder that flushable wipes are continuing to be a problem clogging up the system, particularly at lift station number one.