Council reviews vehicle requests for ramps fund and ramps garage; details on costs requested

The Binghamton City Council discussed a request Monday to amend the 2025 ramps fund budget to replace a city-owned vehicle used on ramps after the existing 2012 Ford F-350 began experiencing transmission problems.

Comptroller Chuck Robinson said the current vehicle is a 2012 F-350 with multiple issues; the amendment requested about $41,000 to complete the vehicle purchase, and Robinson said the total cost is likely closer to $50,000. Council members asked whether the price would include a plow and whether the proposed vehicle and plow would suit ramp maintenance; Robinson said additional funding exists within the aligned capital line and that snowplow purchases are handled across multiple departments.

Council members also asked about the 7 Holly Street Garage line referenced as a funding source; Robinson said that balance was leftover from a prior project and can be used to finish the vehicle purchase.

No formal vote occurred in the works session; council requested more detail on the planned vehicle build and total cost before moving the budget amendment forward.