The Tamworth Select Board voted Dec. 22 to approve and encumber contracts for key transfer station equipment after a USDA grant offer prompted the town to expand its planned purchases.

Speaker 2 told the board the U.S. Department of Agriculture offered the town a grant dating from 2022 of "up to $493,000 and change," which could cover a substantial portion of construction and equipment costs. The town initially planned to use only a small slice for equipment but was told USDA could cover additional items, prompting officials to re-evaluate priorities.

Board members reviewed quotes for needed machinery and infrastructure, including a backhoe (quotes ranged roughly $141,000–$159,000), a replacement PTR compactor, balers, a mini loader and multiple storage/collection containers. Speaker 2 said the town would ask vendors to accept delivery contingent on USDA reimbursement, and "if the grant money doesn't come through, we're bringing it back," to avoid exposure.

Members debated useful trade-offs. Several argued against buying a chipper—whose quotes reached about $76,000—because the highway department often rents chippers; others favored buying a new backhoe and compactor given the age and condition of existing equipment. The board considered alternatives such as paving or installing a truck scale if the mini tractor and chipper were deferred.

Ultimately the board moved to approve the purchase and to encumber funds for the Cat backhoe, a new PTR compactor from Recycling New England and four 45-yard containers. The motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. The chair said she would sign contracts and submit invoices to USDA for reimbursement where appropriate.

Officials noted a roughly $134,462 rollover in taxpayer funds and an additional approximately $113,000 of USDA money available for future use if not expended this year. The board emphasized the purchases are contingent on USDA reimbursement and that vendors would be asked to accept return if grant funds fail to arrive.

Next steps include finalizing vendor contracts, ensuring three‑bid procurement requirements are met where required, and filing a warrant article if the town needs to carry USDA funds to a future year. The board flagged additional transfer-station upgrades—such as paving and a scale—for further discussion in the new year.