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Epping Board approves moving Highway uniforms in‑house; administrator outlines $40,000 lift proposal
Summary
The Board voted 5–0 to end its uniform contract and have the Highway Department purchase and launder uniforms in‑house, estimating $2,000/year in savings; Town Administrator Jake Roger also outlined a proposal for the town mechanic to service other departments and noted a $40,000 lift and tire‑machine purchase under consideration.
The Epping Board of Selectmen on March 2 approved a plan to shift the Highway Department’s uniforms from a contracted service to town‑purchased uniforms laundered in‑house and heard a staff proposal to have the town mechanic perform cross‑department vehicle work if a lift is purchased.
Town Administrator Jake T. Roger said the Highway Department proposal would set price caps on purchased uniforms, add items such as rain pants, and allow in‑house laundering; the change is projected to save about $2,000 annually based on current participation. Selectman Joe Trombley moved to accept the proposal and end the contract with the current uniform company; Selectman Cliff Cray seconded and the motion carried 5–0.
Roger also described a proposal discussed with Highway staff for the town mechanic to work one day per week on other departments’ vehicles (except during winter), which would require purchasing a lift and a tire‑changing machine for about $40,000. Roger said the likely funding source is the General Government Building Trust Fund, which has a current balance of about $77,000; with a $50,000 warrant article pending, he said an $40,000 purchase would leave approximately $87,000 when combined with the warrant article. Roger said the purchase would be reviewed after voting. He noted total vehicle maintenance spending in 2025 was about $105,000.
Selectman Trombley and others raised practical concerns about garage infrastructure: a core test on the proposed lift location and sufficient floor thickness are needed before installation. Bob Jordan (Prescott Rd) advised ensuring any floor for the lift was at least 10 inches thick.
The board approved the uniform change; decisions about the lift and mechanic proposal will be revisited after warrant article outcomes and further evaluations.
