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Parks and Recreation asks voters for $20,000 to replace town truck
Summary
Parks and Recreation told the Select Board it needs at least $20,000 on the fall warrant to purchase a used pickup after a town-donated truck failed a mechanic's inspection; board members raised questions about cost, funding sources and whether revolving-account money can be used for a capital purchase.
Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Terry Ford told the Town of Hampden Select Board on Oct. 20 that the committee will ask voters this fall for at least $20,000 to buy a used pickup truck after the department’s current vehicle was judged by a mechanic to be beyond reasonable repair.
Ford said the committee received a written quote from a local mechanic, Corby, who inspected the town-donated 2000 Ford F-250 and found multiple failures — coolant and transmission leaks, a bad transfer case, linkage problems, a damaged bed and other issues — and concluded the truck “is not worth repairing.” The mechanic’s written estimate for repairs was in the mid‑thousands; Ford said the committee prefers to buy a used truck rather than fix the existing vehicle.
The request is for a used pickup in the F‑150 range with a working bed and drivetrain, not a new vehicle, Ford said. Parks and Recreation uses a truck to move mowers and equipment between Memorial Park and the Thornton W. Burgess (TWB) site, haul mulch and materials, support events and avoid using employees’ personal vehicles for work tasks.
Select Board members pressed the committee on price and funding. Several members questioned whether $20,000 would be sufficient in the current market for a low‑mileage used truck and suggested the Parks committee could supplement the warrant request from its revolving account if needed. The board discussed whether the committee’s “53D” revolving account permits capital purchases like a vehicle; members noted the account had been approved in the past for maintenance and program support but that its allowable uses are defined by the original vote.
“Can you really get a decent truck for $20,000?” said a Select Board member. Ford responded that the committee would solicit bids in the F‑150 class and that anticipated in‑town use means mileage will be low. Ford also said the Parks committee expects to present the request at the advisory hearing next week and again at town meeting.
Board members advised the Parks committee to bring documentation to the advisory hearing — the mechanic’s quote, photos of the broken truck and a clear explanation of how the vehicle will serve programs — so voters and the advisory committee can evaluate the request.
The Select Board did not take a formal vote on the request during the Oct. 20 meeting. The Parks and Recreation Committee will present a warrant article at the advisory hearing and at town meeting.
Ford and Select Board members said the committee may consider supplementing the warrant amount from its gift/revolving funds if a suitable vehicle exceeds the $20,000 target, but the board emphasized that allowable uses of revolving funds should be confirmed before spending.
Ford: “We’re not looking for a new vehicle… just something with a working flatbed and a working transmission and motor.”
Board members asked Parks and Recreation to bring the mechanic’s written estimate and, if possible, photographs to the advisory meeting and to town meeting to make the case to voters.
