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China Select Board delays decision on municipal plow truck replacement after budget review
Summary
Town officials reported $305,012 available for public works and said a Western Star replacement quote stands at $297,676; the board discussed repair-versus-replace economics and deferred a final decision until a full board can vote.
The China Select Board discussed whether to repair or replace its oldest municipal plow truck, with staff reporting sufficient reserve funds but no final action.
Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood said the audited public works reserve balance as of June 30, 2024, was $105,023 and that the town appropriated $200,000 in the current fiscal year, bringing total funds available to $305,012. "That gives us about $305,012 available for public works equipment," Hapgood said.
Public Services Director Shawn Reed told the board that Truck #16 is the system's oldest vehicle and that recurring repair costs are increasingly likely to exceed replacement costs. Reed said the newest Western Star quote for a replacement has risen by $13,000 since last year and now totals $297,676. "At some point the repairs start to outweigh replacement; we recommend cycling out the oldest truck," Reed said.
Board members did not take a final vote and agreed to revisit the matter at the next regular meeting when the full board is present.
The board’s decision will determine whether the town uses reserves and appropriated funds to purchase a replacement immediately or continues to repair Truck #16 in the short term.
