Council authorizes trial purchase of used sidewalk machine, capped at $40,000

The Lisbon Falls Town Council approved a staff recommendation on April 7 to buy and outfit a used sidewalk maintenance machine—rather than lease or purchase a new multi‑use machine—so the town can trial in‑house winter sidewalk maintenance.

Public Works Operations Manager Troy Billings summarized vendor visits and equipment conditions. "The one that we found that had 1,400 hours on it… it needs some work. It's not perfect," Billings said, explaining the used machine would require parts but compared favorably to paying roughly $50,000 a year for contractor service. He also noted some advantages of a newer machine, including a more comprehensive warranty and compatibility with existing attachments.

Town staff proposed two options: a used machine plus necessary attachments and repairs at about $40,000 now, or a new machine offered at a discounted $150,000 with a multi‑year lease (estimated $25,000–$50,000 per year depending on financing). Public Works and staff recommended the conservative trial with the used machine. The council amended the motion to authorize purchase of the used unit and equipment not to exceed $40,000 with funds charged to Public Works; the amended motion passed.

Why it matters: the move aims to reduce recurring contractor costs and give the town more control over sidewalk maintenance; staff noted maintenance capacity, operator availability and warranty/supply factors as key considerations.

What’s next: staff will proceed to purchase and outfit the used machine, make minor repairs as needed, train operators, and return to council if additional attachments or higher costs are required.