Select Board approves up to $115,000-per-year, five-year lease for two highway trucks with voter-protection clause

The Townshend Select Board voted to enter a five-year lease for two highway trucks, with terms capped at $115,000 per year and a provision allowing the town to exit the lease without penalty if voters reject the appropriation at town meeting. The motion passed on a roll call of board members concluding with a 5–0 tally in favor.

The truck committee (Katie and Jeremy) had gathered quotes from three leasing sources and recommended bundling the two vehicles. Katie told the board the bundled figure used for comparison included a $20,000 trade-in and that three firms returned similar five-year estimates. "The number that we used, 479683, takes into account a $20,000 trade in on the 1 ton," Katie said while summarizing proposals and interest-rate examples.

Board members emphasized the importance of an exit clause tied to voter approval. Select board member who moved the motion proposed language that the town may "back out of the agreement" if voters decline the appropriation at town meeting; the motion was amended to limit the annual obligation "not to exceed a $115,000 annually" and to set a tentative first-payment window (third quarter payment in April 2027) to address cash-flow timing. The board confirmed that reserve funds would cover the initial payment and that staff should confirm final warranty and fee details with the lessor before signing.

The board directed staff to proceed with lease applications and to secure written confirmation from the chosen lessor of the clause allowing the town to exit with no penalty if voters fail to approve the appropriation. The truck committee will follow up with leasing agents to clarify remaining fee components and lock-in procedures.