DPW director briefs council on fleet age, salt supply and winter contingency plans

Director McGee briefed the council on the condition of the public‑works fleet and preparations for winter operations.

Key facts: McGee reported 12 vehicles aged 20–40 years, 23 vehicles aged 11–20 years and 54 vehicles 0–10 years old. As of the meeting the department had 750 tons of salt on hand; average winter-season use is roughly 2,500 tons. Four trucks were out of service during the storm (4 of 26), and the department secured a state chassis grant of $55,000 toward a replacement vehicle.

Budget context: McGee said a pavement line is $260,000 over budget but a state reimbursement request for $256,000 has been submitted. Councilors pressed on line‑item accounting, long‑term planning for reserves and whether higher vendor rates should be used to secure backup contractors; McGee said he must work within the council‑approved budget but will request additional funds if necessary.

Why it matters: Several councilors said DPW is a front‑facing service and must be adequately funded to maintain roads, trash collection and emergency response. The council asked for clearer contingency plans, whether the town should offer a higher per‑storm rate to vendors to secure backup trucks, and for maintenance and VIN‑level asset lists to be made available during the budget process.

Next steps: Director McGee will continue outreach to vendors, return with specific options if additional funds are needed for winter backup, and provide the vehicle inventory list and projected replacement schedule in the upcoming budget process.