Selectmen set winter contractor rates and authorize fuel/energy purchasing authority

On Jan. 6 the Board of Selectmen approved a rate schedule for outside contractors performing winter operations and passed a resolution delegating fuel and energy purchasing authority to town staff with supervisory approvals.

Public Works presented a matrix of contractor rates and asked the board to codify hourly pay for equipment used in snow and storm operations. After discussion and minor adjustments, the rates approved for the 2025–26 season are: pickup with plow $155 per hour (minimum four hours); lowboy with plow and sander $155 per hour; tri-axle $160 per hour; skid steer $160 per hour; large loader $210 per hour; and drivers at $65 per hour. Members discussed consistency with existing contractors and whether rates had been shared with vendors; the board approved the schedule unanimously.

Staff also described recent fuel-market purchases and asked for a standing resolution authorizing the Department of Public Works, with approval of the first selectman and the chief financial officer, to purchase fuels and energy (diesel, gasoline, heating oil, natural gas and electricity) and to execute, amend or extend supply contracts. Members clarified tax and fee treatment — diesel and heating oil are net of taxes/fees while gasoline includes a tax component — and the resolution was approved unanimously.

Both measures are intended to provide predictable terms for vendors and allow staff to lock in market opportunities for fuel purchases. Implementation steps noted included posting the rates, notifying existing contractors and finalizing procurement documents for energy purchases.