The Pembroke City Council at a called meeting Monday approved two different loans that will help the city with a water and sewer project and the purchase of new equipment.

A $72,880 loan plus a $25,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture for the purchase of a new backhoe and zero-turn lawnmower was unanimously approved by the council.

The replacement of the equipment is routine according to City Project Manager Ricky McCoy, who said maintenance costs of the city’s current mower and backhoe were outgrowing the cost of replacement.

Though replacing the items was included in this year’s budget, he said, the grant will help lessen the cost for the city, he said.

Read more in Wednesday's Bryan County News.