DPW seeks new skid steer after repeated breakdowns of 2009 unit

Binghamton’s acting Department of Public Works commissioner asked the council Monday to approve an amendment to the 2025 DPW capital budget to buy a replacement skid steer after the department’s 2009 machine repeatedly failed.

Acting commissioner Josh Palutti said mechanics, the dealership and an independent shop inspected the machine but the vehicle intermittently “locks up” and emits heavy blue smoke. Palutti said staff have been applying temporary repairs that keep the unit marginally usable but that it is now “off the road more than it’s on the road.”

Palutti said the department has a second, older skid steer (a 2007 unit) but it lacks the features required for the department’s street-level work. He said he previously prioritized other capital requests in last year’s budget and expected replacement lead time for a new unit to be a few months because the model is well stocked.

Council members asked which capital-line savings would fund the purchase; Palutti and Robinson said funds were available in field-conditioning/turf lines and other capital balances. Council members also asked about small transfers from police special-activity seizure lines referenced elsewhere; Robinson explained those are proceeds from forfeitures and seizure adjudications that feed several small department lines.

No formal vote was recorded in the works session; council members asked for the department to provide additional details about sources and total cost before final approval.