Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget And Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
East Fishkill board approves highway budget transfer after split over urgent equipment purchase
Summary
The board approved a highway fund budget transfer to buy equipment, including a replacement bucket truck, after heated discussion about process and whether the purchase constituted an emergency; the vote passed with one member recorded opposed.
A contentious exchange at the June 26 East Fishkill Town Board meeting ended with approval of a highway fund budget transfer to move money into the equipment line for new machinery, including a replacement bucket truck.
Councilman Marinaro questioned the process, saying he had not been told in advance and asking whether the purchase was truly an emergency. The highway superintendent and other board supporters said the old bucket truck — a 1999 model that had been decommissioned because it would not pass inspection — needed replacement and that market conditions made immediate purchase prudent. "The truck would not pass inspection," the superintendent said; the board also noted it had surplus sand and other materials to manage winter operations.
The comptroller cautioned about high price estimates but acknowledged available funds. Councilman Marinaro said he felt the board should have been consulted earlier; the highway superintendent and others said they had discussed the need with liaisons and moved quickly to secure equipment when it was available. On the roll-call/voice vote, the motion passed with one recorded opposition (vote recorded in the meeting as 4–1).
Speakers gave varying estimates of the bucket truck cost; the highway superintendent said, "I believe it was around $2.25," but did not specify units during the discussion. The board directed staff to better coordinate notification on future high-cost purchases.
