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Southborough DPW asks to replace aging trucks; advisory weighs deferral and lease options
Summary
DPW told the advisory committee it needs multiple vehicle replacements, including chassis and dump-truck work; the committee discussed deferring a ground-service dump truck for a year, buying used, or leasing-to-buy to spread costs, while noting deferred purchases can raise future maintenance costs.
The Town of Southborough Department of Public Works presented a multi-year fleet replacement plan and answered committee questions about a high-cost chassis purchase and other rolling stock needs.
Bill, representing DPW, said items under consideration include replacing a cabin/chassis unit (keeping the existing dump-body) and staggered replacement of frontline plow/dump trucks that regularly break down. He said parts for heavy equipment are costly and that vehicles beyond a roughly 10–12 year useful life become expensive to maintain.
Committee members suggested alternatives such as buying used vehicles, staggering replacement cycles, or leasing-to-buy to avoid bonding issues. Bill said the ground-service dump truck could likely be postponed a year, but warned that postponement is effectively "kicking the can" and can increase maintenance and reliability risks in winter operations. Members also noted the newly listed facilities utility van ($65,000) was added after staff received an email indicating the existing van is unsafe, and they discussed funding that as free cash vs. a reserve fund transfer.
No formal capital vote was taken; the committee signaled that capital items remain under active discussion and that capital is the most likely place to find discretionary savings if warrant articles pass.
