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Public Works budget review highlights salt, staffing and vehicle choices amid hiring constraints
Summary
Councilors and public works staff discussed salt and brine use, rising striping and crosswalk costs, large swings in internet and phone charges for departmental sites, and long‑running concerns about diesel versus gasoline fleet costs and vehicle maintenance.
The council spent substantial time on Public Works’ proposed 2026 budget, focusing on winter operations, fleet costs, staffing and capital needs.
Chris (public works staff) explained the town uses a molasses‑based brine mixed with salt to reduce required tonnage and truck wear, and that recent winters drive large year‑to‑year swings in salt and mailbox repair costs. He said the salt budget is set using a three‑year average of tonnage and the current supplier is procured through a cooperative arrangement (GPOG).
Fleet and maintenance questions drew extended comment. Councilor Ronald…
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