Select Board authorizes used pickup and approves 10-wheel dump truck purchase

The New Ipswich Select Board authorized a used pickup purchase and approved acquisition of a new 10-wheel dump truck for the Department of Public Works after detailed review of quotes, funding sources and purchase options.

The board reviewed a dealer quote for a used 2022 Ford F-350 crew cab with an advertised total (inspection/title and fees) around $45,832. Members discussed plow costs and staying within a $50,000 warrant-article limit; the board authorized purchase of a used F-350 up to $46,000 and gave staff authority to complete purchase paperwork and necessary signatures or a purchase order.

The board then examined multiple quotes and municipal-lease proposals for a larger turnkey 10-wheel dump truck. Staff presented a lower turnkey quote (roughly $289,500) and compared it with other options including buying chassis and upfitting separately and a municipal lease structure. Board members debated lease-versus-buy implications, interest costs over five to seven years, and capital-reserve depletion versus preserving invested funds. After discussion the board approved purchasing a Western Star 10-wheel dump truck at the quoted amount (up to $290,000) to be funded from capital reserves with trustees facilitating the transfer; a friendly amendment preferred purchase rather than a lease.

Members discussed timing, possible tariff impacts on prices, and contingency plans (using push plates or used plows temporarily). The board instructed staff to coordinate with the Trustees of the Trust Fund to move funds and to complete purchase paperwork and any necessary signatures.

Next steps: staff will finalize purchase paperwork, work with trustees to transfer capital-reserve funds, and report back on delivery timelines and any required upfitting or plow procurement.