Select Board Approves Contract for 3,000 Tons of Morton Salt at $71.65/ton

Brentwood Select Board on Sept. 2 authorized town public works staff to sign a contract with Morton Salt for up to 3,000 tons of road salt at a quoted price of $71.65 per ton. Nut graf: The board approved the purchase after Highway staff described increased winter usage and an uncertain storm season. The estimated contract total is about $214,950; the purchase will be paid from this year—s sand/salt/patch budget and may require encumbering funds into the next fiscal year if necessary. Public works staffer Wayne told the board that Morton—s price rose from $69 to $71.65 per ton and recommended increasing the town—s order from 2,250 tons to 3,000 tons to cover anticipated use, including work at three Pond Campground and a South Road development. "Weve had Morton Salt now for 20 some odd years. And, their price went from, $69 a ton to $71.65," Wayne said. Board members discussed budget constraints and recent cuts to the salt line. Wayne said he currently had about $37,000 left in his sand/salt/patch budget but expects filling the salt shed and hauling sand during storms will consume much of that. A motion was made and seconded to authorize signing the contract for 3,000 tons; the board voted in favor (voice vote: "Aye"). The motion did not specify that funds would be fully encumbered this fiscal year; board members said they could choose to encumber part of the cost into next year—s budget if necessary. Ending: Town staff will execute the Morton Salt contract and return to the board if additional budget action is required to cover the full cost.