BAY MINETTE, Ala.  — The Bay Minette Parks and Grounds Department will soon have a new tractor.

During Monday’s Bay Minette City Council meeting, the council accepted a $35,221.64 bid from Beard Equipment to purchase the tractor.

According to Bay Minette Parks and Grounds Supervisor J.J. Hall, the new equipment will replace a 1980’s model tractor that “barely works.”

Also Monday, the council voted to enter an agreement with Verizon Wireless for phone and Internet service.

“It costs less, and it’s better coverage,” Bay Minette Finance Department Director Joe Landenwich told the council. “So it’s a win on both sides.”

Landenwich explained that it will also put city employees on radio channels with North Baldwin Utilities and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition, the council unanimously approved the city’s account’s payable report of $237,923.40.