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Highway staff say front-end loader likely beyond repair; committee places $190,000 purchase warrant on ballot
Summary
Highway staff advised the Brentwood Budget Committee that the town’s 20+-year-old front-end loader is failing and that part sourcing is nearly exhausted. The Select Board recommended a $190,000 purchase warrant; leasing was discussed but not finalized for the warrant text.
The Budget Committee heard detailed operational testimony about the condition of Brentwood’s front-end loader, which highway staff said is more than 20 years old and has experienced repeated mechanical failures.
Wayne (highway staff) told the committee: “We have one more shot” at sourcing parts and that John Deere identified only one replacement hydraulic unit in the United States. He described the machine as “rusted” and in need of multiple replacements inside the hydraulic assembly. “I don't think [we can fix it],” Wayne said when asked if repair was likely. He added, “We're still trying,” describing an outstanding lead to a parts supplier who might be able to replace the entire hydraulic unit.
Select Board members explained the timing pressure. The loader had been scheduled on the town’s capital improvement plan for 2029 but failure risk pushed the request forward. The Select Board recommended a purchase authorization of up to $190,000 to cover current bids and possible used and new options. Select Board members noted a lease option was considered but that the warrant language as finalized asked for authority to purchase; leasing would require a separate warrant or different wording because multi-year payment schedules must be spelled out in the warrant.
Alternative financing and contingency plans were raised. Staff and Select Board members said the town could pull the purchase warrant before Town Meeting if an in-service repair succeeded or if a lease option were fully developed; they also discussed short-term mutual aid or hiring private contractors if the loader became inoperable during the winter.
Resident questioning focused on cost control and whether a good used machine could meet near-term needs. The committee heard that at least one used quote had been considered but that available used machines either did not meet specifications or were priced near the new-equipment range.
The Budget Committee recorded a motion and second and moved the $190,000 purchase authorization to the Town Meeting warrant. Select Board members and highway staff will present supplemental details to voters at the public hearing and Town Meeting, including any late-breaking repair or lease information.
