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DPW requests $150,000 (approx.) for backhoe replacement after heavy use
Summary
Jim Hall of the Department of Public Works asked for a JCB C3 backhoe to replace a 2005 unit with more than 15,000 hours; he said the machine is needed daily for drainage, cemetery and storm response and that trade‑ins could reduce the estimate from about $250,000 to roughly $150,000.
Jim Hall, speaking for the Department of Public Works, urged approval of a capital appropriation to buy a new JCB C3 backhoe to replace the town’s 2005 machine.
Hall said the 2005 backhoe has more than 15,000 operating hours and is past its useful lifetime. He told the council the machine is used daily for drainage work, cemetery operations, and storm‑related tree calls, and that the older machine’s limitations create efficiency and safety concerns. "We use it every single day. It's vital to our everyday operations," Hall said.
Hall said an initial cost estimate was about $250,000 but that negotiations and trade‑in options could reduce the town’s out‑of‑pocket to roughly $150,000. He characterized the lower figure as a realistic ask given trade‑in opportunities and expressed appreciation if the council would approve the request.
The transcript records the presentation but does not record a motion or vote on the purchase. The request was presented as part of the department’s 2027 capital priorities.
