Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DPW warns rising fuel, asphalt and equipment costs may force cuts to Leominster—s paving list
Summary
DPW leaders told the finance subcommittee a level-funded DPW budget limits flexibility; rising asphalt and fuel prices, equipment lead times and a tight CDL labor market may force some streets to be deferred from next season—s paving list.
Ray and Jake (DPW leaders) briefed the finance subcommittee on the Department of Public Works operations and capital needs, describing a level-funded budget that nevertheless manages substantial in-house work and grant-supported projects.
Ray said the city relies heavily on in-house crews to save money: "Whenever we can do the project ourselves, we'll do it rather than having to hire out," he said, adding that the crew approach reduces contract costs. Officials said many capital projects and drainage upgrades are completed during school vacation weeks to reduce costs.
DPW staff warned that rising fuel and asphalt prices are straining next year—s paving plan. The department explained the Highway Fuel Depot is structured as a self-funding account that buys fuel centrally and then bills departments at cost; individual departmental accounts will require monitoring and, if prices climb, adjustments may be needed. Officials said contract force-majeure provisions have kept current paving invoices at contract prices for now, but they may need to reduce the fall paving list if prices continue to increase.
Hiring and retention were a recurring concern: the DPW said private contractors can often pay substantially more for CDL drivers, so the city focuses on training and cross-training older and newer employees and offering overtime where appropriate to retain staff. Officials noted long lead times for new equipment; one councilor said trucks ordered three years ago still have not arrived.
Councilors asked about alternative pre-treatment strategies such as brine. DPW staff said brine adoption has growing popularity but requires substantial new equipment and storage tanks; retrofitting older vehicles may be cost-inefficient and any shift would be a multi-year investment.
The subcommittee did not vote. DPW leaders said they will return with any detailed re-prioritization if fuel or asphalt costs force adjustments to the capital/paving schedule.
