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Council OKs purchase of cab and chassis for 2001 Mack truck replacement
Summary
To accelerate fleet replacement and avoid expected price increases, the council approved up to $173,000 from the vehicle reserve to buy a cab and chassis for a replacement for a 2001 Mack truck. Public works staff said extensive rust and repeated frame repairs make replacement urgent.
The North Branford Town Council approved an allocation not to exceed $173,000 to buy the cab and chassis for a replacement to a 2001 Mack truck in the public works fleet.
Assistant public works director Dan Santano said the truck is experiencing extensive corrosion and frame issues that will likely lead to failure within a few years. Santano recommended buying a cab and chassis from a Sourcewell contract now and requesting funds next fiscal year to build the body; purchasing now avoids a projected roughly $20,000 emissions‑related price increase next year and saves about $12,000 in floor‑plan financing costs.
Santano and councilors discussed used‑truck options and prior experience with older used equipment; staff said used trucks have produced significant repair headaches in the past. The vendor is on a cooperative purchasing contract (Sourcewell), and the department noted interoperability benefits with existing Mack trucks for spare parts and components.
Councelor Diamond moved the allocation; Deputy Mayor McMillan seconded. The motion passed after a recorded opposed vote and an abstention. The vehicle reserve will fund the purchase, which staff said matches the town’s fleet‑replacement planning.
