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Select Board backs borrowing authorization for new ambulance and dump/plow truck citing long lead times
Summary
The board supported authorization to borrow for a new ambulance and a dump/plow truck to address long equipment lead times; staff discussed an estimated $600,000 program with a $75,000 contingency for the ambulance and annual debt service roughly $130,000–$140,000 under several scenarios.
The Southampton Select Board voted to support a motion authorizing borrowing to fund a new ambulance and a dump/plow truck, saying long manufacturer lead times make early authorization necessary.
Finance and capital committee members explained the capital committee recently moved under the finance committee and is now responsible for prioritizing the $300,000 override line approved earlier. Committee members said acquiring an ambulance or a large truck can take 18 months or more from order to delivery, so authorizing borrowing now allows the town to place orders and lock in procurement timelines.
Board discussion covered estimated costs and contingency. Presenters identified a roughly $600,000 baseline for both vehicles with a $75,000 contingency included in the ambulance quote; staff estimated annual debt service in the range of $130,000–$140,000 under a five-year assumption, noting statutory limits require reasonable bond life tied to the asset’s useful life.
Members asked about procurement language in the warrant—whether to list "dump truck," "plow truck" or "dump/plow" for flexibility—and whether deposits would lock prices. Staff said quotes were pro forma and some price movement is possible; the contingency is intended to cover that risk. The board made and approved a motion in support of borrowing; the transcript records approval by voice vote without a detailed roll-call tally.
