Middleborough utility board approves backhoe and utility truck purchases and releases minutes

The Town of Middleborough Gas & Electric Department voted to buy a new backhoe and a new utility-body truck and approved release of two sets of open-session minutes at its February meeting.

The board approved a recommendation to purchase a John Deere backhoe from United Construction for $174,000. The purchase was budgeted in the 2025 budget and — according to staff — came in about $25,000 under the $200,000 budget because the recommended machine met or exceeded bid specifications and is consistent with equipment the department has historically used. The board also approved a utility-body truck from Colonial Ford of Plymouth for $97,676, a bid that came in slightly under the $100,000 budgeted amount.

Both motions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the chair announced "the ayes have it." The meeting record shows no roll-call tallies or individual recorded votes for these items.

In procedural business, the board voted to accept and release open-session minutes from Jan. 8, 2025, and Jan. 24, 2025. Those motions were likewise seconded and passed by voice vote.

Board members and staff discussed bid comparisons for the backhoe, noting that competing bids had several exceptions on engine horsepower, turning radius, bucket size and other specs. Staff representatives said the electric division intends to keep the 20-year-old backhoe for yard work only, and will not use it for road work. For the truck, staff confirmed the recommended vehicle meets the 4-wheel-drive specification as requested in the bid package.

No public comment or additional conditions were recorded on the motions. Staff will proceed with procurement and acquisition under the previously approved 2025 capital budget.