Donation will buy new tractor in Duluth

The Duluth City Council accepted a $30,000 donation from the Fall Festival Committee for the purchase of a tractor for the city’s Public Works department. The donation was to replace the department’s previous tractor, which is now being used to power a train created for the Fall Festival parade.

In a matter of moving budget numbers, the city was unable to purchase the tractor in late Fiscal Year 2016 because of the beginning of farming season. Tractor inventories were low and not well suited for the department’s needs. In addition, remaining tractors were being sold for a premium price. For these reasons, Duluth has delayed the purchase for six months and the $30,000 donation will be carried forward to the FY 2017 budget.