Newport City Council approves $628,400 purchase of vacuum "back truck" after budget review

Newport City’s council voted May 11 to approve a $628,400 purchase of a 2025 Western Star 4700X Vector vacuum ("back") truck to replace aging equipment used by public works.

The purchase decision followed a presentation from Public Works Director Tom Ernier and financial staff, who presented a revised cash‑flow spreadsheet after correcting a calculation error. Consultant Chip Sterns told the council the truck would be treated as a capital asset and depreciated over 20 years, with an estimated annual depreciation expense of about $10,500.

“The quoted price is delivered to our door,” Public Works Director Tom Ernier said, and staff reported the vehicle is currently in Massachusetts and available for immediate delivery.

Council members and members of the public questioned the timing and funding split. Staff had modeled the purchase with conservative assumptions and noted potential cash‑flow low points later in the year; the packet shown to the council assumed a net May property‑tax inflow of roughly $1.5 million (net of school allocations). Consultant Chip Sterns summarized fund contributions on a round $630,000 basis, saying the general, water and sewer funds would each contribute about $210,000.

Public commenter Ian urged the council to check charter provisions and questioned whether reserves and recent borrowing had been handled in residents’ best interests, noting the city’s reported cash position and asking whether rate increases could be reexamined. “If you’re sitting on $2.6 million, did you borrow too much?” the commenter asked.

Councilor Lori said the council faced a choice between recurring high repair or rental costs and paying now for longer‑term reliability. “This is a lot more money, granted, but I believe in the long run it will save the city over the next 10 years,” she said.

Staff and consultants told the council that major recurring repairs to the current truck — especially the hopper, which could require a replacement up to about $100,000 — and limited availability of emergency rental services would make delays costly. One staff estimate for outside service was $2,800–$3,200 per day plus fuel surcharges.

A council member moved to approve the purchase at the quoted price and to authorize the mayor to sign the purchase agreement; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The motion authorizes purchase from CN Wood LLC for the quoted amount and directs the mayor to execute the agreement. Councilors were told staff will proceed with logistics for delivery and will continue to monitor cash flow and capital plans as the city moves through the fiscal year.

The council set its next regular meeting for May 18 and adjourned the special meeting.