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Hope considers buying plow fleet and prepares for Special Town Meeting to finance winter equipment
Summary
Road Commissioner John Monroe recommended buying multiple plow trucks, a heavy-duty plow/spreader, and a used loader and moving winter maintenance in-house; the board voted 4-0 to proceed with contacting the budget committee, soliciting bids and seeking bond counsel ahead of a likely February Special Town Meeting.
Road Commissioner John Monroe told the Select Board on Nov. 26 that rising costs and concerns with the town’s current winter maintenance contractor make in-house winter operations more viable and safer.
Monroe proposed the town purchase three F-650–style trucks with rigging, one large Mack-style heavy-duty plow/spreader truck, one used loader and seasonal labor for November through April. He said it takes several months to order and equip vehicles and recommended preparing for a Special Town Meeting in February to authorize financing. Monroe said next steps should include contacting the Budget Committee, soliciting equipment bids, and seeking bond counsel.
Charlie Weidman moved to proceed with those next steps; Crystal Robinson seconded and the motion passed 4-0. The minutes record that Monroe had obtained some dealership quotes but that formal procurement and bonding advice are still required.
If the board pursues a bond or other financing, voters would decide at a Special Town Meeting; the minutes do not include a dollar estimate for the purchase or a draft warrant article.
