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Public works director Tim Sweeney says long winter drove overtime and equipment strain
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Summary
Tim Sweeney told the Select Board the winter produced heavy overtime and salt expenses — roughly $32,000 and $23,000 over budget, respectively — and described equipment repairs, staff changes and planned paving work for spring.
Tim Sweeney, who spoke for the town’s public works department, told the Bow Select Board that the town experienced an unusually long, costly winter that strained staff and equipment. “The overtime was 32,000 over. The salt was 23,000 over,” Sweeney said, adding that crews dealt with severe frost heaves and extensive plow damage.
Sweeney introduced Dan Snodgrass, who joined the department this winter as a mechanic and has been promoted to fleet manager, and thanked staff for handling staffing shortages and illness during peak winter operations. He said spring work is under way — sweepers have been out, repairs to winter plow damage are being scheduled, and the town will move into ditching and paving preparations.
Board members thanked Sweeney and his crew for their work. One member urged planning to replace a street sweeper in a few years; another encouraged continuing proactive maintenance on town fields and roads. The board also discussed parts availability and the savings of buying compatible equipment (for example, similar loaders to keep parts and filters interchangeable).
Sweeney estimated the town used approximately 3,900 yards of combined sand and salt during the season and suggested salt tonnage in the range of 1,500–1,700 tons; he described those figures as estimates and said the town will manage overages by reducing spending elsewhere or seeking budget adjustments next year.
Sweeney thanked the board for approving recent equipment contracts and said the crew appreciates reliable equipment during storms. The board did not take further action at the meeting, but members signaled support for planned equipment purchases and continued monitoring of winter-related expenses.
