Select Board discusses replacement options for 22‑year‑old front‑end loader; asks staff to seek quotes and payment plans

Brentwood’s highway official told the Select Board the town’s front‑end loader—about 22 years old—has reached the end of its useful life after repeated unsuccessful repairs, and replacement options were discussed at the meeting.

The highway official reported repeated repair attempts and that some necessary parts are no longer manufactured. Replacement quotes the official had reviewed from a John Deere dealer in the region showed ballpark prices in the roughly $170,000 range for a similarly equipped loader. Board members discussed options including trade-in/salvage credit (the dealer mentioned a potential $20,000 rebate if the town trades the existing loader), short-term repairs as a stopgap, obtaining quotes from other local dealers, and multi-year payment plans (three-, five- or seven‑year options discussed). The board asked highway staff to obtain competitive quotes (including local dealers) and to seek payment‑plan terms and trade‑in values; members indicated they would favor financing options that limit immediate tax impact if rates and terms are reasonable.

No formal appropriation or purchase was approved at the meeting; the board instead directed staff to return with firm quotes and financing terms for a future decision.

Why it matters: The front‑end loader is used daily in highway operations; the equipment’s failure could affect routine road work and emergency responses if not addressed promptly. The board signaled willingness to pursue multi‑year purchase plans and trade‑in options to spread cost rather than fund a full unbudgeted purchase from operating balances.

Ending: Highway staff will gather quotes and financing options and report back to the board; the Select Board reserved final purchase approval until terms are available.