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Selectboard moves to order Peterbilt truck amid supply and warranty questions
Summary
The Tinmouth selectboard voted to proceed with ordering a Peterbilt plow truck after comparing bids, with members citing trade-in values, warranty options and supply-chain risks that make ordering this year preferable. The board authorized moving forward while leaving final trade and warranty choices open.
The Tinmouth selectboard voted to proceed with ordering a Peterbilt plow truck after a lengthy review of vendor bids, trade-in estimates and warranty options. A motion to move forward with Peterbilt was made during the meeting and approved by voice vote; members emphasized urgency because parts shortages and tariff risks could delay or change prices next year.
Board members spent substantial time reconciling line items across competing bids, with one participant summarizing net figures on the table: 'Your HV is $1.34 $4.40 is the net,' and another describing the Peterbilt net as '1.30 $0.41' (as spoken during the meeting). Speakers discussed optional equipment removed from some bids (springs, heated windshield, heated mirrors, airbags, LED headlights) to create an apples-to-apples comparison. The board also noted that one vendor required a $1,900 hitch (described in the meeting as a 'candy cane') to attach the plow, a charge not present in other bids.
Members stressed that trade-in difference is the most meaningful comparison for the town’s finances. One member advised focusing on 'trade difference' rather than list price when weighing bids. The motion included authority to proceed with ordering while allowing staff to finalize choices on warranty length and whether to accept certain add-ons or keep the existing truck as a backup. The board did not sign a binding purchase contract at the meeting and confirmed members could withdraw if availability or price changed.
