Foster council approves HydraDig purchase after resident questions transparency

The Foster Town Council voted to approve the public works department’s capital request to acquire a rubber-tire HydraDig excavator, after residents and councilors pressed officials for clarity about when and how the equipment was budgeted.

Resident Lynn Bridal told the council she had seen social posts suggesting the excavator was already bought and criticized purchases appearing to precede formal approval, saying, “things get purchased and then we ask the council,” and urging clearer, earlier disclosure of capital requests. DPW director Rogers responded that the HydraDig was a two-year expenditure, that the second payment became available July 1 and that the item had been approved through the planning-board process and a financial-town-meeting allocation. Rogers said the town had not made payment last year and that funds carry as capital until the purchase is completed.

Council members debated procurement and bidding: several members noted the town can “piggyback” on other municipalities’ contracts and had followed purchasing procedures. After discussion the council moved and approved the DPW capital request; the vote was taken by voice and recorded as passed.

Why it matters: The exchange illustrated residents’ concerns about transparency for large capital purchases and clarified that the HydraDig had been included in multi-year capital planning rather than an unexpected purchase. Advocates for capital planning said the approach preserves flexibility for departments that demonstrate need.

What’s next: The DPW will proceed with the purchase and the council will track the capital line as part of its budget process. Public comments on the item will remain part of the meeting record.