Select Board considers DPW oversight of town vehicle maintenance, asks for inspection policy

Select Board members discussed whether the Department of Public Works should oversee routine maintenance of town-owned vehicles and asked staff to create an inspection policy and to obtain repair-cost estimates for an aging Ford Explorer.

DPW staff said the department had the capacity to monitor maintenance and perform preliminary checks, though heavier repairs would go to an outside shop such as Emerson. The board discussed three options for the Explorer: authorize repairs if costs are modest, evaluate whether to replace if repair costs are high, or continue periodic inspections to determine next steps. A staff member said the sedan’s mileage is relatively low, while the Explorer is older and may require significant work.

Why it matters: Town-owned vehicles are used for bank runs, inspections and other municipal tasks. Board members noted risks when staff use personal vehicles for town business and said having maintained municipal vehicles reduces liability exposure. The board asked for inspection thresholds and a clearer budget line for vehicle repairs.

Board direction: By consensus, the board asked DPW to oversee inspections and to obtain a repair estimate from Emerson for the Explorer. Staff said they would consult Emerson and return with costs and a recommendation on repair versus replacement. The board also discussed instituting regular inspections (every other month was suggested) and potential policy language to ensure staff maintain vehicles.

Ending: Staff will obtain a detailed estimate, propose inspection intervals and recommend whether to proceed with repairs or to replace the vehicle based on cost-effectiveness.